CompletedInterventional

Imaging technologies for the detection of breathing infection in patients on breathing machines in the intensive care unit

This study is testing new cameras and special liquid dyes, called Smartprobes, to help doctors find lung infections faster in seriously ill patients who are on breathing machines. Currently, it can be hard to tell what's causing lung problems from X-rays alone. By using tiny cameras during a routine lung check, the research team hopes to see infections directly and quickly. The Smartprobes "light up" when they find certain germs or immune cells, helping to pinpoint the problem. This could mean patients get the right treatment sooner, leading to better care in the future.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

The University of Edinburgh & Lothian Health Board ACCORD

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2026

Characterisation of pulmonary infiltrates in medically ventilated participants in the Intensive Care Unit

What is this study about?

Imagine you're really unwell and need a breathing machine to help you breathe. Sometimes, doctors worry you might have a lung infection, but it can be tricky to figure out exactly what's going on or what kind of infection it is using normal X-rays or tests, which can take time to get results. This study wants to make that process much quicker and more accurate.

The research team is testing new technology that involves using very small cameras and special liquids, called Smartprobes, that can 'light up' when they find certain bacteria or immune cells in your lungs. During a procedure called a bronchoscopy – which is a routine check of your lungs using a thin tube with a camera – these tiny cameras will be guided inside. They'll also deliver those special Smartprobes to specific areas to actively look for infection. The aim is to get a clearer picture of what's happening inside your lungs quickly.

The hope is that someday, this new technology will help doctors quickly see infections and choose the best treatment for patients with lung problems, ensuring they get the right help at the right time. Your involvement in this study could help future patients facing similar challenges.

Key takeaways

New technology to quickly identify lung infections.
Specifically for very ill patients on breathing machines.
Uses tiny cameras and special dyes (Smartprobes) during a lung check.
Aims to help doctors choose the right treatment faster.
Your contribution helps future patients, though no direct benefit to you.
Small additional risks (like one extra X-ray) are clearly explained.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who are currently using a breathing machine in intensive care. You would also need to have abnormal chest X-rays that suggest you might have a lung infection, or it's already confirmed.

Crucially, your doctors need to agree that you are well enough to have a bronchoscopy, which is a procedure to look inside your lungs, and that you can cope with the other parts of the study. You, or someone legally allowed to make decisions for you, would also need to agree to take part.

You wouldn't be able to join if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have certain bleeding risks, or are allergic to any of the special liquids used in the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently on a breathing machine?
Do your doctors suspect you have a lung infection, or is it confirmed?
Are your doctors happy you are well enough for a bronchoscopy?
Are you able or do you have someone who can give consent for you to join this study?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding, and don't have problems with bleeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you agree to take part, the research team will first check your medical records and, for women who could become pregnant, a urine test to make sure it's safe for you. The main part of the study happens during a bronchoscopy, which is a procedure where a thin tube with a camera is passed into your lungs through your breathing tube to look inside. This procedure normally takes about 25-30 minutes, but with the study, it might take up to 25 minutes longer.

During your bronchoscopy, a tiny camera will be used to look at areas of your lungs, and small amounts of the special Smartprobes will be delivered. The doctors will also take some images. They may also take samples of lung fluid as part of your usual care, and the research team might ask for any leftover amounts. Additionally, the study would involve taking about 10 teaspoons of extra blood, a very small amount of lung fluid from deep inside your lungs (less than 5ml), and a swab from your breathing tube before the procedure. The team will also look at your medical notes from the three days before your bronchoscopy.

Potential risks and benefits

There won't be any direct medical benefits to you from taking part in this study, but your involvement will help doctors understand lung infections better and could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat patients in the future. The cameras and some of the Smartprobes have been used before without problems, and the new ones have been thoroughly tested in the lab, so serious side effects from the tiny amounts used are not expected. The main risks are from the bronchoscopy procedure itself, which are generally very low but can include a small risk of air getting trapped next to the lung, which doctors can treat. You'll also have one extra chest X-ray, which uses a very small amount of radiation. While radiation can slightly increase cancer risk over many years, the extra risk from this one X-ray is extremely tiny (about a 0.00001% increase on top of the normal lifetime risk of about 50%). You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France
City only
Lothian, Scotland

Common questions

What is a Smartprobe?

A Smartprobe is a special liquid dye that 'lights up' when it touches certain bacteria or immune cells, helping doctors find infections.

What is a bronchoscopy?

It's a medical procedure where a thin tube with a camera is put into your lungs to look inside and sometimes take samples.

Will I get paid for taking part?

No, you won't be paid for taking part in this study.

Where is the study happening?

The study is taking place at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in the UK.

How long will the study last for me?

The main part of the study involves one bronchoscopy, which will be slightly longer than usual. The team will also review your notes around that time. The overall study runs until December 2027.

How to find out more

Jean Antonelli

jean.antonelli@ed.ac.uk +44 (0)131 651 8294 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.