Laser light could reveal hidden arthritis
NCT ID NCT00748254
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study is testing whether a new laser-based imaging technique, called photoacoustic tomography (PAT), can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers will scan the finger joints of 113 adults—some with arthritis and some healthy—and compare PAT with MRI and ultrasound. The goal is to see if PAT can accurately detect signs of arthritis.
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 successful, this could lead to a new, non-invasive way to detect rheumatoid arthritis earlier and more accurately.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early feasibility study, not a treatment trial. The technology may not prove accurate enough for routine use.
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 113 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Dec 2011
- Expected to finish
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Jan 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.
Who is studied
Subjects are 1) people who are either healthy volunteers or have patients who have rheumatoid arthritis for more than 2 years and who have a rheumatologist who referred them to this study.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- 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: * Men and women 18 years of age or older can participate in this study. * Patients can participate in this study if they have had rheumatoid arthritis for more than 2 years and their rheumatologist has referred them to this study. * Patients can participate as a healthy volunteer with a known history of rheumatoid arthritis. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients, who have electrically, magnetically or mechanically activated implants such as heart pacemaker, magnetic surgical clips, prostheses or implanted neurological stimulator. * Pregnant patients. * Patients who is claustrophobic. * Patients with impaired renal function cannot participate in this study such as elevate creatinine clearance, patients on kidney dialysis etc. * Patients with shock hypotension or unstable low blood pressure. * Patients with Rhabdomyolysis. * Patients who have had a contrast enhanced (with gadolinium) MRA (magnetic resonance angiography)/ or MRI within the last 3 months. (Contrast is a medication injected into a vein during a imaging examination that helps produce clearer images/pictures).
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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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Universtity of Michigan Health System
RECRUITINGAnn Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
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