Evaluating blood quality using ultrasound techniques
Development of a contact-free assay to evaluate stored blood quality using ultrasound viscoelasticity techniques
This study is looking at a new way to check how good stored blood is by using ultrasound to see how well red blood cells work after being kept for different amounts of time, with the hope of making blood transfusions safer for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11015056 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method to assess the quality of stored blood using ultrasound viscoelasticity techniques. By measuring the physical properties of red blood cells (RBCs), the study aims to determine how well these cells can function after being stored for varying lengths of time. This approach seeks to provide a more accurate evaluation of blood quality than current methods, which rely solely on storage age. The goal is to develop a contact-free assay that can help ensure safer blood transfusions for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients who require blood transfusions, particularly those in vulnerable populations who may be affected by the quality of stored blood.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require blood transfusions or those whose conditions do not involve blood quality issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved blood transfusion outcomes by allowing for more precise evaluations of blood quality.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound techniques in blood quality assessment is innovative, similar approaches in other areas of medical diagnostics have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karafin, Matthew S — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Karafin, Matthew S
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.