Identifying bloodstream infections in newborns using blood samples
Official title: Direct from blood identification of bloodstream infections in newborns
Funded at Helixbind, INC. · NIH-10884463 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick test to help doctors find bloodstream infections in newborns faster, so they can start the right treatment sooner and avoid unnecessary antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Helixbind, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boxborough, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $995,893 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI165300-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884463 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns, particularly those under 4 weeks old, who are at risk for bloodstream infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 4 weeks or those without signs of bloodstream infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a rapid diagnostic test for identifying bloodstream infections in newborns, which is crucial for timely treatment. The current method relies on slow blood cultures that can take days and may yield false negatives, leading to inappropriate antibiotic use. The new test, called RaPID/neo, aims to provide results within approximately three hours by directly analyzing blood samples without the need for cultures. This innovative approach could significantly improve the early diagnosis and treatment of neonatal sepsis, a life-threatening condition affecting newborns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate diagnosis of bloodstream infections in newborns, improving treatment outcomes and reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing rapid diagnostic tests for infections, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Helixbind, INC.
Boxborough, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singer, Alon — Helixbind, INC.
- Study coordinator: Singer, Alon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Automated, culture-free test to detect bloodstream infections directly from blood
A new automated test called RaPID/BSI can identify bloodstream infections directly from a blood sample within four hours, helping doctors choose the right treatment sooner.
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Ultra-sensitive blood test to spot active Lyme disease infections
A new blood test called RaPID/LD aims to detect active Borrelia infections directly from blood, helping people with suspected Lyme disease get an early and accurate diagnosis.
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Automated test that quickly identifies bloodstream infections from a blood sample
A fast, blood-based test from HelixBind that can identify bloodstream infections within about 4 hours to guide the right treatment.
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Direct-from-specimen test for bloodstream infections
A fast, blood test developed by HelixBind to identify bloodstream infections directly from a blood sample in about 4 hours, helping doctors treat septicemia sooner.
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Direct-from-specimen test for fast endocarditis pathogens
A fast, automated blood test can identify bacteria or fungi causing endocarditis without culture, helping doctors choose the right treatment sooner.
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A faster way to detect bloodstream infections directly from blood
This project is creating a new device to quickly find out if you have a bloodstream infection, which can lead to a serious condition called sepsis.
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.