A new portable test for diagnosing Hepatitis C directly from blood samples.
Official title: Point-of-care magnetofluidic HCV diagnostic using thermally responsive valves
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11044184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a simple and affordable test for Hepatitis C that can give quick results right where you are, making it easier for people, especially in low-income areas, to get tested without needing to visit a lab multiple times.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $379,560 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176197-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044184 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Hepatitis C, particularly those in low-resource settings or who have difficulty accessing traditional healthcare facilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for Hepatitis C or those who have already been diagnosed and are receiving treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a low-cost, portable diagnostic test for Hepatitis C that can be used at the point of care. The test utilizes innovative thermally responsive valves to automate the sample processing, allowing for rapid results without the need for multiple patient visits. By collecting blood samples directly from patients' fingertips, this approach is designed to improve access to testing, especially in low- and middle-income countries where traditional lab-based diagnostics may not be available.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a fast and accessible way for patients to get diagnosed with Hepatitis C, potentially saving lives through earlier detection and treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing point-of-care diagnostics for infectious diseases, indicating that this approach could be successful.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Ian M — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: White, Ian M
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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.