Automated test that quickly identifies bloodstream infections from a blood sample
Official title: Automated system for the direct from blood characterization of bloodstream infections
Funded at Helixbind, INC. · NIH-11311193 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A fast, blood-based test from HelixBind that can identify bloodstream infections within about 4 hours to guide the right treatment.
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 16, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,029,859 |
| NIH project number | 1R44AI197309-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11311193 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with suspected bloodstream infections or sepsis who require rapid diagnostic information to guide therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without bloodstream infections or those not eligible for blood testing may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to bring a direct-from-blood diagnostic tool to patients with suspected bloodstream infections, reducing reliance on slow blood culture results. The test processes whole blood without complex centrifugation and detects only viable microbes, helping clinicians choose effective antimicrobials sooner. The approach uses a novel DNA detection method to distinguish closely related pathogens and minimize false positives from contamination. If successful, it could shorten hospital stays and improve survival by enabling timely, precise therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Patients with bloodstream infections could receive faster and more accurate treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior rapid, culture-independent diagnostics have shown promise, but this project proposes a streamlined, viable-from-blood approach with novel DNA sensing for rapid results.
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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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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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.
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A new tool to quickly diagnose bloodstream infections.
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.
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.