A new portable test for diagnosing Hepatitis C directly from blood samples.

Point-of-care magnetofluidic HCV diagnostic using thermally responsive valves

NIH-funded research Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11044184

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-11044184 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

College Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virusblood infection
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.