ML-ROVER: Reducing Unneeded Lab Tests in Kids with AI
Official title: ML-ROVER: Machine Learning to Reduce Laboratory Test Overutilization
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11607116 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to use machine learning to cut unnecessary blood tests in children in intensive care, helping avoid anemia and improve care quality.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $252,658 |
| NIH project number | 4R33HS030123-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11607116 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children in intensive care units who routinely undergo laboratory testing may be eligible to participate through data sharing and future CDS integration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without ICU lab testing or those not represented in the participating centers may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses electronic health records from multiple pediatric centers to develop an ML-based decision-support tool that predicts which routine lab tests may be safely skipped. It focuses on pediatric ICU patients, where blood loss from testing can be harmful. The team plans to design the tool with user-centered principles so clinicians can integrate it smoothly into daily practice. If successful, the approach could guide more judicious testing while maintaining or improving patient safety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could reduce painful blood draws and iatrogenic anemia while preserving quality of care in pediatric ICUs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous ML-based approaches for predicting lab results exist in adults, but pediatric-focused CDS integration is limited and still early.
Where this research is happening
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University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dziorny, Adam C. — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Dziorny, Adam C.
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.