RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Better Tests- Improving Diagnostic Accuracy and Prognostication in Interstitial Lung Diseases

This study is looking for better and faster ways to diagnose Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) and predict how they might affect people over time. Currently, getting a diagnosis can take a long time, and knowing if treatments are working can be difficult. Researchers are focusing on simple blood and breath tests that don't involve surgery. They will first look at these tests in people who keep pigeons, as they are at a higher risk of developing ILD. Later, the tests will be used in patients already diagnosed with ILD, even those with severe breathing problems, to see if they are easy to use and can help doctors understand what might happen next with the illness. The goal is to find tests that can be used routinely in clinics.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Dundee

Enrolment target

750

Start

17 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

15 Jan 2036

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

What is this study about?

When someone has Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), it can often take a long time to figure out exactly what's wrong. Doctors also don't always have simple ways to check how well treatments are working or to predict how the disease might change over time. This makes it harder to give people the best care as quickly as possible. This study is all about finding new, easier ways to get this information.

Researchers are focusing on tests that aren't invasive – meaning they don't involve surgery or uncomfortable procedures. They are particularly interested in simple blood tests and breath tests. These kinds of tests are much quicker and more comfortable for patients. To start, they'll be looking at these tests in people who keep pigeons. This is because regular exposure to pigeons is known to increase the risk of developing a certain type of ILD. By studying this group, researchers hope to spot early signs of the disease and see how the tests change over time.

Next, if the tests look promising in pigeon fanciers, they will be used in people who already have an ILD diagnosis. This will include patients whose illness is quite severe. The researchers want to find out if these new tests are comfortable for patients and if they can give doctors important clues about how the disease might progress in the future. The overall aim is to develop new diagnostic tools that can be easily used in hospitals and clinics to help people with ILD get diagnosed sooner and receive more personalised care.

Key takeaways

This study aims to find better, simpler tests for Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD).
It's looking at blood and breath tests instead of invasive procedures.
Both pigeon fanciers and ILD patients are involved to understand early signs and disease progression.
The goal is to improve diagnosis and help predict how ILD might affect people over time.
Your participation could help improve care for future patients with ILD.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 90 years old.

There are a few different groups of people who can take part. You might be eligible if you regularly keep pigeons as a hobby. You could also be eligible if you are currently attending an NHS Tayside clinic because you have been diagnosed with an Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). Finally, if you are currently in hospital due to severe breathing problems caused by your ILD, you might also be able to join.

However, you cannot take part if you are unable to understand what the study involves and provide your agreement to participate.

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 between 18 and 90 years old?
Do you currently keep pigeons as a hobby?
Do you attend an NHS Tayside clinic for Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)?
Are you currently in hospital with severe breathing problems due to ILD?
Can you understand information about the study and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first be asked to agree after learning all about the study. You'll then have some basic checks, like your height, weight, and a simple breathing test (called spirometry). We'll also ask you about your general health, any past illnesses, and your pigeon-keeping habits (if you're a pigeon fancier).

You will have a blood sample taken. For pigeon fanciers, this will check for antibodies related to pigeons and store samples for other tests. You will also do an extra breathing test to collect exhaled air, which will be analysed. Outcomes will be linked to your symptoms and any future diagnoses. Pigeon fanciers might be asked to repeat these tests later at national meetings to see how things change over time, and some might even do tests before, during, and after being with their birds. Patients with ILD will have these non-invasive tests and their results will be linked to how their health changes over time, how they respond to treatment, and their quality of life. The study duration will vary depending on your group and the follow-up required, but it generally involves initial assessments and potential follow-up visits.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer the potential benefit of contributing to a better understanding of ILD, which could help future patients get diagnosed and treated more effectively. There are no direct medical benefits expected for individuals in this study. The potential risks are minimal, mainly discomfort from blood draws and breathing tests. You should also be aware that your personal information will be handled carefully. Remember, you can choose to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

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

Winter Gardens
Verified postcode
Blackpool, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Ninewells Hospital
Verified postcode
Dundee, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Perth Royal Infirmary
Verified postcode
Perth, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)?

ILD is a group of lung conditions that cause scarring of the lung tissue, which can make it hard to breathe.

Why are pigeon fanciers included in this study?

People who regularly keep pigeons are known to have a higher risk of developing a type of ILD due to their exposure, making them a good group to study early signs.

What kind of tests will I have?

You will have simple tests like a blood test and a breathing test where you breathe into a device to collect exhaled air. We will also measure your height and weight.

Will I get my test results?

The study's main focus is research, so individual results may not be shared directly. However, any clinically significant findings would be discussed with your doctor.

How long will I need to be involved?

The time commitment varies. It could be an initial visit for tests, or, for some groups, it might involve follow-up tests over time, often aligned with existing meetings or appointments.

How to find out more

Mark Spears, PhD FRCP

mspears001@dundee.ac.uk +44 1738 473861 Official trial record

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