Remote collection of breastmilk for RNA sequencing
Developing Remote Human Milk Collection as a Novel Technique for Transcriptome Sequencing
This project will test whether adding RNA-preserving reagents lets lactating people send breastmilk from home for gene-expression testing.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT07118852 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The study will enroll 50 lactating participants in two phases to develop and optimize a home-based human milk collection kit that mixes milk with RNA preservation reagents. Participants will provide up to 30 mL of milk into reagent-treated containers at a reagent:milk ratio of about 2:1, then ship samples to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Laboratory staff will measure RNA quantity, quality, and transcriptome profiles to determine whether the preservation method yields intact RNA suitable for sequencing. Findings will guide protocol adjustments to enable broader remote participation in milk RNA research.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are English-speaking people who have been lactating for at least four weeks, live in Wisconsin, and are willing to collect and ship small milk samples from home.
Not a fit: People who are not lactating, live outside Wisconsin, do not meet their personal lactation goals, or expect direct clinical benefit from participation are unlikely to gain benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could let more people contribute breastmilk samples without traveling to a lab, making milk-based gene studies more inclusive and convenient.
How similar studies have performed: RNA-preservation methods have been used successfully for other biospecimens like blood and saliva, but applying remote preservation specifically to human milk for transcriptomics is relatively novel and not yet widely validated.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English speaking and reading * Lactating for greater than or equal to 4 weeks Exclusion Criteria: * not meeting personal lactation goals * resides outside of Wisconsin
Where this trial is running
Madison, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin — Madison, Wisconsin, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katelyn Desorcy-Scherer, PhD, RN — UW School of Medicine and Public Health
- Study coordinator: Katelyn Desorcy-Scherer, PhD, RN
- Email: desorcy@wisc.edu
- Phone: 608-265-7485
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.