Using blood tests to help diagnose stroke faster in African Americans

Blood transcriptomics as CT adjuvant to exclude hemorrhage in acute stroke

NIH-funded research Morehouse School of Medicine · NIH-10866379

This study is looking at a new blood test that uses RNA to help doctors quickly and accurately diagnose strokes, especially in African American patients, so they can get the right treatment faster.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMorehouse School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-10866379 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a blood-based biomarker assay that utilizes RNA sequencing to accurately diagnose strokes, particularly in African American populations. The study aims to enhance the speed of obtaining results through innovative sequencing technologies, which is crucial for timely treatment with thrombolytic therapy. By correlating the accuracy of the test with factors such as sex and race, the research seeks to ensure that minority populations are adequately represented in stroke diagnostics. The goal is to provide emergency room physicians with a reliable tool to confirm CT scan results, thereby facilitating quicker treatment decisions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals experiencing symptoms of an acute stroke.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as African American or those who are not experiencing acute stroke symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the time to administer life-saving stroke treatments, ultimately lowering mortality rates and improving recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using blood biomarkers for stroke diagnosis, but this specific approach focusing on minority populations is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.