Creating a new device for easy blood testing for lead exposure
Official title: Optimization and Validation of Minimally-Invasive and Low-Cost Blood Collection Device for Lead Testing
Funded at Skyway Biosciences · NIH-10920930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy way to collect blood samples from babies and young kids to check for lead exposure, making it less scary and more comfortable for them so that more children can get tested and helped if needed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Skyway Biosciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Evanston, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $295,923 |
| NIH project number | 1R41ES036480-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10920930 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants and young children, particularly those under 6 years of age, who are at risk for lead exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the age range of 0-6 years or who have already been tested for lead exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a minimally-invasive and low-cost device for collecting blood samples to test for lead exposure, particularly in infants and young children. The current method of venipuncture is challenging and often frightening for young patients, leading to low testing rates. By using a dried blood spot collection method, this research aims to simplify the process, making it easier to identify children at risk for lead poisoning. The goal is to ensure that more children are tested and receive timely interventions if necessary.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the rate of lead testing in young children, leading to earlier identification and intervention for lead exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar minimally-invasive blood collection methods, indicating potential for this approach to be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Skyway Biosciences
Evanston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ahuja, Punkaj — Skyway Biosciences
- Study coordinator: Ahuja, Punkaj
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.