Improving diagnosis of infectious diseases using advanced PCR technology

Next Generation Infectious Disease Diagnostics: Microfluidic-Free Gigapixel PCR with Self-Assembled Partitioning

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11082439

This study is working on a new way to quickly and accurately identify different germs that cause infections, so patients can get the right treatment faster and with fewer unnecessary tests.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11082439 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new diagnostic method for infectious diseases that can accurately identify multiple pathogens simultaneously. By utilizing digital PCR (dPCR), the approach aims to provide precise measurements of pathogen concentrations, which is crucial for determining the actual cause of infections. Unlike traditional methods that often yield false positives, this technique enhances diagnostic accuracy and reduces the need for additional testing. Patients will benefit from faster and more reliable diagnoses, leading to more effective treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing symptoms of infectious diseases that require precise diagnosis.

Not a fit: Patients with infections that are already well-characterized and do not require advanced diagnostic methods may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and timely diagnoses of infectious diseases, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using digital PCR for pathogen detection, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in diagnostics.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome VirusAirway infectionsbacteria infectionbacterial disease
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.