A new way to measure how well your platelets work

Engineering a lab-on-a-particle platform to measure platelet function

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11178638

This project is creating a new, more accurate test to understand how platelets function in people with bleeding disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11178638 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Current tests for platelet function can be slow, inconsistent, and don't always capture the full picture of how platelets behave. This makes it hard to accurately diagnose certain bleeding disorders, especially those that are inherited or linked to inflammation. Researchers are designing tiny hydrogel particles that can help measure how platelets stick together, activate, and contract. This new method aims to provide a clearer and more reliable understanding of platelet activity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is most relevant for patients who experience unexplained bleeding or have a suspected or diagnosed bleeding disorder.

Not a fit: Individuals without concerns about bleeding or platelet function would not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic development.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this new technology could lead to more precise and faster diagnoses for a wide range of bleeding disorders, helping patients get the right treatment sooner.

How similar studies have performed: This project proposes a novel bioengineering approach that challenges existing methods for platelet function testing, aiming to revolutionize current diagnostics.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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.