Could a simple breath test replace needles for malaria diagnosis?

NCT ID NCT07456969

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study aims to validate a non-invasive malaria diagnostic tool that detects specific compounds in breath, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), using a device called TRACE-E. Researchers will collect breath and blood samples from 200 people aged 12 and older with fever in Ethiopia. If the breath test accurately matches PCR blood test results, it could pave the way for rapid, painless malaria screening without needles.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

TRACE-E device (breath analysis for VOC biomarkers)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to a quick, painless breath test for malaria, replacing needles and blood draws.

What could go wrong

This is an early validation study with only 200 participants. The VOC biomarkers may not reliably distinguish malaria from other fevers, and the device may not be accurate enough for real-world use.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for MALARIA FEVER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

malaria

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••