Could blood transfusions spread Alzheimer's? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT07157839
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at donated blood samples to see if some contain high levels of a protein called pTau217, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers want to know if such blood might be risky for transfusion recipients. They will measure pTau217 in plasma from 250 blood donors using a sensitive nanoneedle technology. The goal is to gather information that could eventually improve blood safety.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If elevated pTau217 is found in donated blood, this could lead to screening measures to make blood transfusions safer for recipients.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early observational study with no intervention, so it only measures levels—it cannot prove that transfusing such blood causes Alzheimer's. The sample size is modest, and results may not apply to all populations.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 250 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2025
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Anybody who can donate blood.
- Ages
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Children (under 18), adults (18 to 64) and older adults (65 and over)
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * The plasma sample from donators. Exclusion Criteria: * None.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
RECRUITINGHouston, Texas, 77030, United States
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