New blood tests to predict early pregnancy loss or ectopic pregnancy
Clinical utility of novel biomarkers for prediction of early pregnancy failure
This project tests a small panel of blood markers and a computer algorithm to help doctors tell early on whether a first‑trimester pregnancy is likely to be normal, ectopic, or ending in miscarriage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11260272 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you come in early in pregnancy with bleeding, pain, or an unclear ultrasound, researchers will collect a blood sample and measure a set of protein markers. A computer algorithm will combine those marker levels to predict whether the pregnancy is intrauterine, ectopic, or likely to end in miscarriage. The team will run this testing in a new group of patients to confirm results they saw before. The goal is a quick blood-based companion test that could reduce repeated visits, uncertainty, and unnecessary procedures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women in the first trimester with a positive pregnancy test who have bleeding, pain, or an inconclusive ultrasound about pregnancy location or viability would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Women past the first trimester or those whose pregnancy location and viability are already clearly shown by ultrasound are unlikely to benefit from this test.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could give earlier, more accurate answers about pregnancy location and viability and reduce dangerous delays and repeated testing.
How similar studies have performed: The research team has already shown high accuracy using these biomarker panels and algorithms in prior samples, but this project is an external prospective validation in a new population.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barnhart, Kurt T — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Barnhart, Kurt T
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 below.