A new device to quickly diagnose sickle cell disease
Official title: Point of care diagnostic for sickle cell disease
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11179696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a handy device that helps doctors quickly check the health of red blood cells in people with sickle cell disease, so they can better manage their condition and predict painful episodes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $179,818 |
| NIH project number | 3R18EB035004-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11179696 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns and young children diagnosed with sickle cell disease, particularly those from African American or Sub-Saharan African backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell disease or those who are not within the targeted age group may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a point-of-care diagnostic device for sickle cell disease (SCD) that can quickly assess the health of red blood cells (RBCs) in patients. By using advanced imaging technology and machine learning algorithms, the device will analyze RBC samples to identify sickled cells and predict the likelihood of painful vaso-occlusive crises. This approach allows for real-time monitoring of patients, potentially improving their management and treatment options. The goal is to create a user-friendly tool that can be used in various healthcare settings, especially in regions heavily affected by SCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management of sickle cell disease, reducing pain crises and improving the quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging and AI for diagnosing blood disorders, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wax, Adam — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Wax, Adam
Related research
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Mindfulness-based Support for Pain and Sleep in Young People with Sickle Cell Disease
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How diet affects white blood cells and sickle cell disease
A study looks at how nutrition, from early life to adulthood, influences sickle cell disease by examining neutrophils and disease severity in people with SCD and in a mouse model.
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Nutrition-based plan to ease pain in sickle cell disease
A nutrition-based approach is being tested to reduce pain for people living with sickle cell disease.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.