miRAD biodosimetry tool to triage radiological exposure in children and older adults
Official title: Validation of miRAD assay as a biodosimetry tool for radiological/nuclear triage applications in pediatric and geriatric population
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11382917 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A quick blood test called miRAD could help doctors decide on the right medical steps within hours after a radiological incident, especially for kids and seniors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $159,075 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI194013-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382917 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals who may have been exposed to radiological/nuclear incidents across all ages, including pediatric and geriatric populations.
✕Less likely to help
In very rare cases where exposure is not present or the test cannot provide timely results, patients may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a rapid, finger-prick blood test that estimates radiation dose within about four hours to guide urgent treatment decisions. The test uses changes in two blood miRNAs to determine exposure level, with one miRNA calibrated by another that stays stable. It has been studied in animals and human radiotherapy patients, and now will be evaluated for speed and accuracy in real-world triage scenarios. If successful, the tool could speed up who gets medical countermeasures and how resources are allocated.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this tool could dramatically shorten the time to determine appropriate medical responses after radiological exposure, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed that the miRAD assay could estimate dose in mice, non-human primates, and some human patients, with promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jacob, Naduparambil Korah — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Jacob, Naduparambil Korah
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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.