Using sweat analysis to detect COVID-19 infection

Hyperspectral Analysis of Sweat Metabolite Biometrics for Real-Time Detection of COVID-19

Observational National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT05044780

This study is testing a new way to detect COVID-19 by looking at sweat from fingerprints to see if it can tell if someone is infected or not.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment177 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 120 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Locations2 sites (Bethesda, Maryland and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05044780 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore a novel method for detecting COVID-19 by analyzing sweat metabolites from fingerprints using hyperspectral imaging technology. Participants aged 18 and older, who have tested positive or negative for COVID-19 within the last week, will be enrolled in two cohorts. The study will involve a single visit to the NIH Clinical Center, where blood samples will be collected from symptomatic participants with positive tests to correlate with sweat analysis results. The goal is to identify a pattern classifier that can distinguish between SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative individuals based on their sweat biometrics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have undergone standard molecular testing for COVID-19 within the last 7 days.

Not a fit: Patients who have received remdesivir or dexamethasone for more than 48 hours prior to imaging may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a rapid and non-invasive method for screening large populations for COVID-19.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of sweat analysis for disease detection is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in other contexts, but this specific method for COVID-19 detection is largely untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Eligible subjects must meet the following inclusion criteria:

* Age \>=18 years.
* Eligible for one of the following cohorts:

  * Cohort 1: Participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 via standard of care molecular testing within 7 days of enrollment. Either antigen or PCR testing is acceptable. Results from home tests are not accepted.
  * Cohort 2: Participants must have a standard of care molecular testing negative for SARS-CoV-2 done within 7 days of enrollment. Either antigen or PCR testing is acceptable for enrollment. Results from home tests are not accepted.
* Ability of subject or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) or Durable Power of Attorney (DPA) to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Subjects with the following characteristics will be excluded from the study:

-Participants who have received remdesivir and/or dexamethasone for longer than 48 hours prior to hyperspectral imaging for the treatment of COVID19. Participants who have received up to 48 hours of treatment will be eligible.

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions COVID-19cameraIL6D-dimerCoronavirusSAR-COV-2Natural History
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.