Developing a portable device to measure body fluid levels non-invasively

NMR-Based Rapid Fluid Assessment: Device Design and Signal Processing

NIH-funded research Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11020950

This study is working on a handy device that can safely and easily check fluid levels in your body, which is especially important for people with kidney problems, to help doctors make better decisions about your health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cambridge, United States)
Project IDNIH-11020950 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a portable, non-invasive device that can accurately measure fluid levels in the body, which is crucial for maintaining health and preventing complications in various medical conditions. The device uses advanced magnetic resonance technology to assess fluid distribution in tissues, helping to identify issues like fluid overload in patients, particularly those with kidney disease. By improving the accuracy of these measurements, the research aims to enhance clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. The approach includes designing a new low-field magnetic resonance sensor and refining the signal processing techniques used to analyze the data.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include hospitalized patients, particularly those with renal or cardiovascular conditions, as well as healthy individuals at risk of dehydration.

Not a fit: Patients who are not hospitalized or do not have conditions related to fluid balance may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the management of fluid balance in patients, leading to better health outcomes and reduced hospitalizations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies using similar magnetic resonance technology have shown promising results in assessing fluid status in patients with end-stage kidney disease.

Where this research is happening

Cambridge, 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.