Automated, culture-free test to detect bloodstream infections directly from blood
Official title: An automated culture-free system for the identification of bloodstream infections direct from blood
Funded at Helixbind, INC. · NIH-11365907 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,019,702 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI186712-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365907 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with suspected bloodstream infections or septicemia in hospital settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose infections are not caused by the panel of pathogens or who do not require rapid diagnostic changes may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to replace slow blood cultures with a rapid, automated test that works directly from blood. It covers a broad panel of 20 pathogens and remains effective even if a patient has already started antibiotics. The RaPID platform provides species-level results with very high sensitivity, enabling precise antimicrobial choices. The goal is to place this diagnostic in hospitals to speed up diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with bloodstream infections could receive targeted treatment more quickly, potentially reducing hospital stays and mortality.
How similar studies have gone: Prior rapid diagnostic tests have shown promise, but this project aims to deliver a fully automated, culture-free, broad-pathogen assay with high sensitivity.
Where this research is happening
-
Helixbind, INC.
Boxborough, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singer, Alon — Helixbind, INC.
- Study coordinator: Singer, Alon
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.