A home-based test to monitor HIV health in underserved areas
Official title: CD4-LINK: Improving access to HIV care in underserves areas with a home-based, mail-in CD4 count test
Funded at Spotted Tech LLC · NIH-11008514 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating an easy at-home test for people with HIV to check their CD4 counts by sending in a small blood sample, making it simpler for those in Louisiana to keep track of their health without the hassle of going to a clinic.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Spotted Tech LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $449,093 |
| NIH project number | 1R41MH138179-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008514 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV, particularly those residing in underserved regions with limited access to healthcare facilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who have easy access to traditional healthcare services may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a home-based, mail-in test for measuring CD4 counts in individuals living with HIV, particularly in underserved regions. By allowing patients to collect their blood samples at home and send them to a laboratory for analysis, the study seeks to eliminate barriers such as travel and stigma associated with clinic visits. The CD4-LINK Kit will utilize dried blood spots for testing, making it easier for patients to monitor their health and stay connected to care. The project is focused on improving access to HIV care in Louisiana, a state with a high incidence of new HIV cases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance access to HIV monitoring and care for individuals in underserved areas.
How similar studies have gone: While home-based testing for other conditions has shown success, this specific approach for CD4 counts in HIV monitoring is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Spotted Tech LLC
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fahlberg, Marissa — Spotted Tech LLC
- Study coordinator: Fahlberg, Marissa
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.