Cleaner platelets for safer transfusions in babies and young children
Purifying platelets with high-throughput microfluidics for pediatric and neonatal transfusions
['FUNDING_R01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11323931
This project tests a new, disposable device that removes contaminants from donated platelets to make transfusions safer for newborns and children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11323931 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If your baby or child needs a platelet transfusion, researchers are developing a small, easy-to-use filter that cleans platelet units before they are given. The device uses high-throughput microfluidics called controlled incremental filtration (CIF) to separate and remove unwanted fluid and contaminants while keeping the most functional platelets. Early prototypes remove a large portion of the suspending fluid and recover around 90% of platelets with minimal activation. The team plans to further validate the device and move toward testing with clinical platelet units used for pediatric and neonatal transfusions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The main candidates are newborns and children who need platelet transfusions or donors whose platelet units could be processed for pediatric use.
Not a fit: People who do not require platelet transfusions or conditions unrelated to transfusion safety are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower transfusion reactions and improve outcomes for newborns and children who receive platelet transfusions.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is relatively new: prototype devices have shown promising lab results for contaminant removal and platelet recovery, but clinical benefit has not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LAM, FONG WILSON — BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: LAM, FONG WILSON
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 below.