New methods to test for antibodies against COVID-19 using dried blood samples
Official title: High-Throughput Dried Blood Spot (HT-DBS) Technologies in SARS COV-2 Serology and Vaccinology
Funded at Wadsworth Center · NIH-10855042 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to test large groups of people for antibodies to the COVID-19 virus, using a special method that checks both how many antibodies you have and how well they work, so we can better understand how the community has been affected by the virus and improve our response to outbreaks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wadsworth Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Menands, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $824,595 |
| NIH project number | 3U01CA260508-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10855042 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals who have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or have received a COVID-19 vaccine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and have not received a vaccine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced technologies to screen large populations for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. By utilizing dried blood spots and a specialized immunoassay, the project aims to measure both the quantity and quality of antibodies resulting from natural infections and vaccinations. This approach will enhance our understanding of community exposure to the virus and help predict outbreak dynamics. The goal is to implement high-throughput testing that can efficiently assess antibody responses across diverse populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for monitoring COVID-19 exposure and vaccine effectiveness in the general population.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using similar serological testing approaches for monitoring viral infections, indicating potential success for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Wadsworth Center
Menands, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mantis, Nicholas J. — Wadsworth Center
- Study coordinator: Mantis, Nicholas J.
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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.