Needle-Free anemia detection for fragile newborns?
NCT ID NCT07788703
First seen Aug 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive sensor placed on the skin can accurately measure hemoglobin levels in infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The sensor uses light to estimate hemoglobin without any needle sticks, which could reduce pain and blood loss in these vulnerable babies. Researchers will compare the sensor's readings to standard lab tests taken during routine care to see how well they agree and if the sensor can reliably detect anemia. The goal is to find a gentler way to monitor anemia in newborns.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Non-invasive spectrophotometric hemoglobin measurement using the Masimo Radical-7® Pulse CO-Oximeter with rainbow® technology
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a painless, needle-free way to monitor anemia in fragile newborns, reducing blood loss and distress.
- What could go wrong
- The study is small (30 infants) and early, so accuracy may vary. Skin tone, perfusion, and other factors could affect readings, and it may not replace lab tests in all cases.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
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.
- 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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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: * Infants (preterm or term) admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. * Gestational age ≥ 24 weeks at birth. * Admitted to NICU during the study period. * Clinical indication for laboratory haemoglobin measurement as part of routine care. * Written informed consent obtained from parent or legal guardian. Exclusion Criteria: * Known or suspected haemoglobinopathy. * Cyanotic congenital heart disease. * Significant skin integrity issues at the proposed sensor site (e.g. burns, severe dermatitis, wounds, oedema, or medical devices preventing probe placement). * Conditions likely to cause unreliable peripheral perfusion at the discretion of the attending clinician. * Severe hypothermia (below 32°C) or hyperthermia (more than 40°C). * Prolonged capillary refill time indicating poor peripheral perfusion.
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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 Malaya Medical Center
Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
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