Using UV light to prevent infections in patients with central catheters
Official title: Therapeutic UV Disinfection System to Prevent Catheter Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) in Patients with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs)
Funded at Puracath Medical, INC. · NIH-10883567 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to use UV light to clean the connectors on long-term catheters, which can help keep patients safe from infections while they receive treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Puracath Medical, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 6, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $999,219 |
| NIH project number | 5SB1AI174371-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10883567 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters and are at risk for catheter-related bloodstream infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have central catheters or those who are not at risk for infections related to catheter use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a therapeutic system that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect needleless connectors on Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs). The system aims to significantly reduce the presence of harmful microbes and biofilms that can lead to catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). By achieving a 99.99% reduction in these pathogens, the study seeks to enhance patient safety and improve outcomes for those requiring long-term catheterization. The project includes preparing for clinical trials and ensuring the system is ready for commercial manufacturing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could greatly reduce the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with UV disinfection methods in reducing infection rates, indicating a promising approach for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Puracath Medical, INC.
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rasooly, Julia — Puracath Medical, INC.
- Study coordinator: Rasooly, Julia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A UV Disinfection System for Catheters to Prevent Bloodstream Infections
This project is preparing a special ultraviolet light system to help keep central line catheters clean and prevent serious bloodstream infections in patients.
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.