Tiny blood test could predict deadly sepsis in preterm infants
NCT ID NCT03291496
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a new microfluidic device that uses a very small blood sample to measure how well immune cells (neutrophils) function in premature newborns. The goal is to see if this test can predict which babies will develop sepsis, a life-threatening infection. Researchers will collect blood from 293 preterm and term infants, as well as healthy adults, to compare results and identify early warning signs.
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 simple blood test that predicts sepsis in premature babies before symptoms appear, potentially saving lives and reducing long-term health problems.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. The test may not prove accurate enough for routine use, and results may not apply to all hospitals or newborn populations.
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
-
293 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Nov 2017
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
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
Preterm neonates \<32 weeks gestation. Term neonates \>36 weeks gestation.
- Ages
-
23 to 42 weeks
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
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: * For preterm neonates \<32 weeks gestation at birth with no known or suspected congenital anomalies. * For term neonates \>36 weeks gestation at birth with no known or suspected congenital anomalies. Exclusion Criteria: * Congenital defects, suspected genetic disorders, 32-36 weeks completed gestation, or lack of consent. Healthy Adult: * Inclusion criteria Between the ages of 18 and 65 years of age * Exclusion Criteria Taking any immune modifying medications or have an active immune modifying disease process
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Neonatal sepsis are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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
Locations
-
UF Health
Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Sepsis in newborns: the hidden brain signs doctors may be missing
- Could a higher steroid dose help preterm babies breathe easier?
- Quick blood tests could save newborns from sepsis
- Kidney injury prediction study for sick kids withdrawn before starting
- Which hand rub saves more tiny lives? new trial aims to find out
- Could a common antioxidant save newborns from deadly sepsis?