Automated bedside blood monitor for sepsis and other critical illnesses

Automated Multiplex Analyzer for Sepsis and Beyond

NIH-funded research Cascade Metrix, LLC · NIH-11256350

A small device that automatically measures lactate, glucose, and hematocrit from a central line to help ICU patients get faster, less invasive monitoring.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCascade Metrix, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fishers, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11256350 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you are in the ICU with a central venous catheter, the AutoPlexer would attach to your line and automatically take tiny blood measurements without wasting blood. It measures lactate, glucose, and hematocrit frequently to help clinicians spot sepsis, acidosis, unstable blood sugar, or the need for transfusion sooner. The company developed and validated the device in preclinical pig models and is now refining the automated multiplex sampling for clinical use. The system is designed to reduce manual blood draws, avoid routine anticoagulant infusions, and speed result availability for bedside decision-making.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are hospitalized ICU patients who already have a central venous catheter and need frequent monitoring for sepsis, shock, trauma, or tight glycemic/hematocrit control.

Not a fit: Outpatients, people without a central venous catheter, or patients whose care does not require frequent blood monitoring are unlikely to benefit from this device.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: This could let care teams detect sepsis or metabolic problems earlier and reduce blood loss and manual needle sticks for ICU patients.

How similar studies have performed: Point-of-care blood tests are established, but automated in-line multiplex sampling like this has been validated in animal models with limited human testing so far.

Where this research is happening

Fishers, 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 2026-06-10 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.