Could a simple gas shield healthcare workers from COVID-19?
NCT ID NCT04312243
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether breathing in nitric oxide gas could prevent healthcare workers from catching COVID-19. The plan was to enroll 470 workers, but the trial was stopped early with only 24 participants. Workers in the treatment group inhaled the gas at the start and end of each shift for 15 minutes. Because the trial was terminated and very small, we cannot say whether it works or not.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- inhaled nitric oxide gas
- What this could lead to
- If it worked, this could point toward a simple preventive measure for healthcare workers at high risk of COVID-19 exposure.
- What could go wrong
- The trial was terminated early and enrolled only 24 of 470 planned participants, so results are too limited to draw any conclusions. Inhaled nitric oxide can cause methemoglobinemia, requiring careful monitoring.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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