A new test for detecting Lyme disease directly from blood samples.

Commercialization Readiness Pilot (CRP) program support for: Ultra-sensitive, direct-from-blood, molecular detection of Borrelia infections.

NIH-funded research Helixbind, INC. · NIH-11064861

This study is working on a new, super-sensitive test called RaPID/LD that can quickly and accurately find the Lyme disease bacteria in blood samples, helping people get the right treatment sooner and avoid serious health issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHelixbind, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boxborough, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11064861 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing an ultra-sensitive test called RaPID/LD for the direct detection of Borrelia, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, from blood samples. Currently, diagnosing early Lyme disease is challenging due to the limitations of existing laboratory tests, which often fail to identify active infections. The RaPID/LD test aims to provide a more accurate and timely diagnosis, potentially preventing severe complications associated with delayed treatment. By utilizing advanced molecular diagnostic techniques, this test could significantly improve the detection of Lyme disease in its early stages.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are suspected of having Lyme disease, particularly those presenting with early symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who have already been diagnosed with Lyme disease and are undergoing treatment may not benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of Lyme disease, improving treatment outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been advancements in molecular diagnostics for various infections, the specific approach of ultra-sensitive detection of Borrelia from blood is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.

Where this research is happening

Boxborough, 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 acute infection
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.