Identifying bloodstream infections in newborns using blood samples

Direct from blood identification of bloodstream infections in newborns

NIH-funded research Helixbind, INC. · NIH-10884463

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 typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHelixbind, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boxborough, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10884463 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns, particularly those under 4 weeks old, who are at risk for bloodstream infections.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 4 weeks or those without signs of bloodstream infections may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Other research has shown promise in developing rapid diagnostic tests for infections, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Boxborough, 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.