A new device to quickly and easily detect diseases through skin emissions

A Novel Device for Rapid and Noninvasive Volatile Metabolite-based Screening and Diagnosis of Multiple Disease States

NIH-funded research Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10870030

This study is testing a handy device that can quickly check for signs of different health issues by analyzing the scents coming from your skin, making it easier for patients to get diagnosed without any invasive procedures.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10870030 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a portable device that can analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the skin, which can indicate various disease states. By utilizing advanced gas chromatography and differential mobility spectrometry, the device aims to provide rapid and noninvasive screening and diagnosis for multiple conditions. The approach is based on the understanding that metabolic changes in the body can alter the VOCs released through the skin, allowing for the identification of diseases. Patients will benefit from a more accessible and efficient diagnostic tool that can be used at the point of care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing symptoms related to infectious, inflammatory, metabolic, malignant, psychiatric, or neurologic diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not significantly alter skin volatile emissions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a revolutionary method for diagnosing multiple diseases quickly and noninvasively.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using similar VOC detection methods for disease diagnosis, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
Conditions Communicable Diseases
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.