Researchers from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) have developed a groundbreaking device called BiophysicaL Immune Profiling for Infants (BLIPI). This first-of-its-kind system provides real-time insights into newborns’ immune function using just a single drop of blood. By enabling early detection of severe inflammatory conditions, BLIPI offers a minimally invasive and rapid diagnostic tool that could significantly improve neonatal care, particularly for premature infants.
Premature babies are highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions such as sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which can escalate quickly and require immediate medical intervention. Traditional diagnostic methods rely on large blood samples and lengthy laboratory processes, which are impractical for fragile newborns. BLIPI addresses this challenge by delivering immune profiling results in under 15 minutes, allowing clinicians to make timely and informed decisions to protect these infants.
The innovation builds on SMART’s previous success in adult immune profiling and represents a major leap forward in neonatal diagnostics. By reducing the need for excessive blood sampling and accelerating the detection of critical conditions, BLIPI has the potential to transform neonatal intensive care units worldwide. As researchers continue to refine the technology, its integration into routine newborn screenings could pave the way for more personalized and effective treatments for vulnerable infants.
Article from SMART: SMART and KKH Develop First-Of-Its-Kind Device to Profile Newborns’ Immune Function
Abstract from Pediatric Research: Whole blood biophysical immune profiling of newborn infants correlates with immune responses
