A new device to diagnose anemia without invasive procedures in low-resource areas

Accuracy and Feasibility of Non-Invasive Anemia Screening Assistant (ASIST) Device in Resource-Limited Settings

NIH-funded research University of Utah · NIH-10912427

This study is working on a handy and affordable device that can help diagnose chronic anemia in pregnant women and young children by simply measuring carbon monoxide in their breath, making it easier for people in low-income areas to get the care they need without painful tests.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Utah NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10912427 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a portable and low-cost device that can accurately diagnose chronic nutritional and hemolytic anemia without invasive procedures. The device aims to improve health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and young children. By utilizing exhaled carbon monoxide to differentiate the causes of anemia, the device seeks to provide a reliable diagnostic tool in settings where traditional testing is not available. The project will assess both the accuracy and feasibility of this innovative approach in real-world conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women, young children, and adolescents living in low- and middle-income countries who are at risk for anemia.

Not a fit: Patients living in high-resource settings with access to conventional anemia testing methods may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the prevalence of anemia and improve health outcomes for millions of individuals in resource-limited settings.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using non-invasive methods for anemia diagnosis, but this specific device and approach are novel.

Where this research is happening

Salt Lake City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.