A home system for HIV testing and care connection
Official title: Minimally-instrumented home HIV detection and care linkage system
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11193692 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a simple and affordable home test for HIV that gives results in under 40 minutes, making it easier for people to find out if they have the virus and get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $20,599 |
| NIH project number | 3R33HD101937-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193692 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV or those at high risk of infection, particularly those who may benefit from home testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for HIV or those who already have access to regular testing and treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop an affordable and easy-to-use home testing system for HIV that can quickly detect the virus and link patients to care. The approach involves creating a disposable diagnostic cassette that processes blood samples to identify HIV and other related viruses, providing results in under 40 minutes. The system is designed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal training, and aims to improve access to testing and treatment for individuals living with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance early detection and treatment of HIV, ultimately reducing the spread of the virus.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar home testing approaches for various diseases, indicating potential for this method in HIV detection.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bau, Haim H — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Bau, Haim H
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing universal and guideline-directed genetic testing for young adults with cancer
This study is looking at whether a broader genetic test can help young adults with cancer find inherited risks that regular tests might miss, so they can get better treatment and care tailored just for them.
-
Better, searchable data for human pain biology
A data integration center will standardize, combine, and share molecular and cellular data from human pain research to help scientists understand how pain works and to accelerate discoveries.
-
Understanding how sweat glands form and work to help burn and skin injury patients
A study at the University of Pennsylvania looks at how sweat glands develop and function, with the goal of informing treatments for people who suffer traumatic skin injuries.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Understanding how a special airway cell helps protect and repair breathing passages
A researcher is studying a newly found airway cell called the hillock to see how it protects the airways and helps repair them after injury, with the aim of helping people with asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis.
-
Defining TMJ cartilage progenitors and their regulatory niche for TMJ regeneration
Researchers are studying the cells that could help repair the jaw’s cartilage in TMJ osteoarthritis to lay the groundwork for regenerative therapies.
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.