Contact-free ultrasound test to check stored blood quality
Development of a contact-free assay to evaluate stored blood quality using ultrasound viscoelasticity techniques
['FUNDING_R21'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11259545
Trying a contact-free ultrasound method to tell if donated blood stays flexible and safe for transfusions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11259545 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are developing a contact-free ultrasound approach that measures blood’s viscoelastic properties to detect when red blood cells become stiff during storage. The method uses sound waves to estimate elasticity, viscosity, and relaxation time without opening or touching the blood unit. They will compare ultrasound readings from stored blood of different ages to standard laboratory measures of red blood cell quality. The aim is to identify blood units that deteriorate faster than their calendar age suggests so transfusion choices can be tailored.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who donate blood or patients who need transfusions—particularly those who require frequent or high-risk transfusions.
Not a fit: People who never need blood transfusions or whose transfused units are already high-quality may not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help ensure transfused blood is fresher and safer for recipients, especially those vulnerable to complications from older blood.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows stored blood becomes stiffer over time, but using contact-free ultrasound as a routine screening tool is relatively new and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CAUGHEY, MELISSA C — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: CAUGHEY, MELISSA C
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.