Creating a new test to quickly detect viruses and bacteria in body fluids.

Development of a screening diagnostic for the detection of viruses and bacteria from body fluids that utilizes the unparalleled structural characterization of mass spectrometry

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10912769

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10912769 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals presenting symptoms of infectious diseases, particularly those related to respiratory infections.

Not a fit: Patients with non-infectious conditions or those not exhibiting symptoms of infection may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Previous research has shown promise in using mass spectrometry for pathogen detection, indicating potential success for this innovative approach.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.