Creating a new test to quickly detect viruses and bacteria in body fluids.
Official title: Development of a screening diagnostic for the detection of viruses and bacteria from body fluids that utilizes the unparalleled structural characterization of mass spectrometry
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10912769 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, quick, and cost-effective test that can spot different germs, including COVID-19, in body fluids, which could help patients get faster and more accurate treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $202,368 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178442-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912769 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals presenting symptoms of infectious diseases, particularly those related to respiratory infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-infectious conditions or those not exhibiting symptoms of infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a fast, affordable, and sensitive diagnostic tool that can detect multiple pathogens from body fluids using advanced mass spectrometry techniques. By analyzing short protein sequences, the method will identify various viruses and bacteria, including different strains of COVID-19. The approach involves testing a range of model pathogens and will eventually analyze over 230 clinical samples to ensure accuracy and effectiveness. Patients may benefit from improved diagnostic capabilities that can lead to quicker and more precise treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses of infectious diseases, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mass spectrometry for pathogen detection, indicating potential success for this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Timperman, Aaron T — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Timperman, Aaron T
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.