A new tool to quickly diagnose bloodstream infections.
Official title: Diagnostic tool for assessment and tracking of microbial load in bloodstream infections
Funded at Helixbind, INC. · NIH-11099756 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, quick way to check for bloodstream infections using a special tool that gives results in just three hours, helping doctors treat patients faster and more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Helixbind, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boxborough, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 23, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $996,497 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI174578-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099756 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suspected of having bloodstream infections who require timely diagnosis and treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have bloodstream infections or those who are not undergoing antimicrobial treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a rapid diagnostic tool for bloodstream infections (BSIs) that can provide timely and accurate information about microbial load without the need for traditional blood culturing methods. The innovative approach utilizes a proprietary platform called RaPID, which analyzes whole blood samples directly and delivers results within three hours. This method aims to improve patient outcomes by enabling faster diagnosis and monitoring of treatment effectiveness, especially in cases where antimicrobial therapy is already in use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the time to diagnose bloodstream infections, leading to quicker treatment and improved survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar rapid diagnostic approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Helixbind, INC.
Boxborough, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singer, Alon — Helixbind, INC.
- Study coordinator: Singer, Alon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Automated, culture-free test to detect bloodstream infections directly from blood
A new automated test called RaPID/BSI can identify bloodstream infections directly from a blood sample within four hours, helping doctors choose the right treatment sooner.
-
Ultra-sensitive blood test to spot active Lyme disease infections
A new blood test called RaPID/LD aims to detect active Borrelia infections directly from blood, helping people with suspected Lyme disease get an early and accurate diagnosis.
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Automated test that quickly identifies bloodstream infections from a blood sample
A fast, blood-based test from HelixBind that can identify bloodstream infections within about 4 hours to guide the right treatment.
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Direct-from-specimen test for bloodstream infections
A fast, blood test developed by HelixBind to identify bloodstream infections directly from a blood sample in about 4 hours, helping doctors treat septicemia sooner.
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Direct-from-specimen test for fast endocarditis pathogens
A fast, automated blood test can identify bacteria or fungi causing endocarditis without culture, helping doctors choose the right treatment sooner.
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A faster way to detect bloodstream infections directly from blood
This project is creating a new device to quickly find out if you have a bloodstream infection, which can lead to a serious condition called sepsis.
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.