Actively Recruiting
Development of an Aptamer-based Lateral Flow Device for Point-of-care Detection of Toxic Chinese Medicine Herbs (ALPTH Project)
Led by The University of Hong Kong · Updated on 2026-03-11
90
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
63 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
T
The University of Hong Kong
Lead Sponsor
S
School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Aconitine and related alkaloids are potent cardiotoxins and neurotoxins found in the Aconitum species used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), such as 'Chuanwu', 'Caowu' and 'Fuzi'. They pose significant health risks when used inappropriately without professional supervision. Patients with acute aconite poisoning often present with a combination of cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal toxicities, which can occur after an overdose, inadequate processing of the aconite roots, erroneous use of tincture preparations, and contamination or substitution of other herbs with aconite roots. Timely diagnosis of aconite poisoning remains challenging due to the long laboratory turnaround time. The aim of this study is to develop an aptamer-based lateral flow device (LFD) for point-of-care detection of aconitine and its metabolites (benzoylaconine and aconine) and evaluate its diagnostic performance.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Development of an Aptamer-based Lateral Flow Device for Point-of-care Detection of Toxic Chinese Medicine Herbs (ALPTH Project)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adult patients aged 18 years or above
- Clinical symptoms consistent with acute aconite poisoning, such as neurological, gastrointestinal, or cardiovascular signs
- Exposure to aconite alkaloids within 3 days
- Documented therapeutic use of aconite prescribed by a qualified practitioner
- Adults with no exposure to aconitine, benzoylaconine, or aconine within 30 days
- No clinical evidence of aconite toxicity
You will not qualify if you...
- Refusal to give informed consent for urine collection
- Alternative causes explaining clinical symptoms
- Recent poisoning or overdose from other substances within 30 days
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Accident and Emergency Department, Queen Mary Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
2
Accident and Emergency Department, United Christian Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Rex Pui Kin Lam, MBBS, MPH, FHKCEM
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
3
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