Measuring phosphorylated tau‑217 (pTau217) in donated blood plasma
Detection of Elevated Plasma pTau217 in Donated Human Blood Samples: Implications for Blood Transfusion Safety
This project will test donated blood plasma to see if some units contain high levels of phosphorylated tau‑217, a marker linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT07157839 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational, laboratory-based study will measure pTau217 concentrations in about 250 donated plasma samples collected through a blood bank, including purchased samples from clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's patients and healthy controls. Measurements will use a nanoneedle biosensor or equivalent immunoassays and will compare pTau217 concentrations to total tau. The design is cross-sectional and prospective, with aliquots retained for potential further analysis. The main goals are to determine how often donated plasma shows elevated pTau217 and to generate preliminary data relevant to transfusion safety.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal samples are plasma units donated through blood banks, supplemented by control plasma from people with clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease and healthy control participants.
Not a fit: Because this is a lab-based observational analysis of stored plasma samples, individual donors or recipients are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If results show some donated plasma has high pTau217, they could inform screening practices to reduce potential Alzheimer's-related risks from transfusions.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown blood pTau217 is a sensitive and specific biomarker for Alzheimer's disease, but applying pTau217 measurement to general blood donations and transfusion safety is a novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The plasma sample from donators. Exclusion Criteria: * None.
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zhongcong Xie, M.D., Ph.D. — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Zhongcong Xie, M.D., Ph.D.
- Email: Zhongcong.Xie@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: 17135006207
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.