Collecting biospecimens from premature infants to improve sepsis detection

The Scientific Value of Premature Infant Biospecimens Collection

NIH-funded research Inova Health Care Services · NIH-11201133

This study is looking at samples from premature babies to learn more about sepsis, a serious infection they can get, so we can find better ways to spot it and help them stay healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionInova Health Care Services NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fairfax, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11201133 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on collecting and analyzing biospecimens from premature infants to better understand sepsis, a serious condition that can occur in this vulnerable population. By gathering samples such as stool, blood, and saliva at various stages of the infants' early lives, the research aims to identify effective methods for sample collection and processing. The goal is to enhance the understanding of sepsis pathways and improve detection strategies, ultimately leading to better outcomes for affected infants. This project will involve careful monitoring and data collection during critical periods, including suspected sepsis events.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants born at or before 32 weeks of gestation and weighing 1500 grams or less.

Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or do not meet the weight criteria may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved detection and treatment strategies for sepsis in premature infants, potentially saving lives.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using biospecimens for sepsis research is established, this specific focus on premature infants and the methodologies proposed may offer novel insights.

Where this research is happening

Fairfax, 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.