Pathogen reduction to prevent infections from blood transfusions
Official title: Transfusion transmitted infections and pathogen reduction technology.
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11623201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Johns Hopkins-led study will explore how to reduce the risk of infections from donated blood by using advanced pathogen-reduction technology and detailed testing to keep patients safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $57,237 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL180828-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11623201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals who may receive blood transfusions or donate blood, and patients who have already received transfusions in settings with higher infectious risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients in low-risk settings or those not receiving blood products may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on TTIs—viruses, parasites, and bacteria that can be transmitted through blood transfusions. Researchers will use highly sensitive sequencing to find emerging infections in donors and recipients, and they will test whether pathogen reduction technology can prevent most of these transmissions. The work includes analyzing donor and recipient data to identify risk factors and measuring the real-world impact of the technology on patient safety. Findings could guide safer blood transfusion practices in the US and areas with high infectious disease burdens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could make blood transfusions safer by reducing the chance of transmitting a wide range of infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests metagenomic approaches can detect hidden infections, and pathogen-reduction technologies have reduced some risks, but data from Africa and broader TTIs are limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tobian, Aaron a — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Tobian, Aaron a
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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.