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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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.
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.