A new self-test for detecting HIV using a finger prick blood sample.
Nanopore-Based HIV Self-Test for Ultrasensitive p24 Quantification in FingerPrick Blood
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use home test for HIV that lets you take a tiny blood sample from your finger to check for the virus, helping people find out their status more accurately and privately, especially during early infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11236112 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a nanopore-based self-test for HIV that allows individuals to collect a small blood sample from their finger and test it for the presence of HIV antigens. The goal is to improve the sensitivity of HIV testing, particularly for acute infections that current tests may miss. By enabling self-testing, the research aims to increase accessibility to HIV testing, allowing individuals to know their status in the privacy of their own homes. This approach could significantly enhance early detection and reduce the transmission of HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at risk of HIV infection or those who wish to know their HIV status, particularly in settings where traditional testing may not be readily available.
Not a fit: Patients who are already diagnosed with HIV and are receiving treatment may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and accessible HIV testing, helping to identify infections earlier and reduce transmission rates.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been advancements in HIV testing technologies, this specific nanopore-based approach for self-testing is relatively novel and has not been widely tested in the past.
Where this research is happening
Hadley, United States
- University of Massachusetts Amherst — Hadley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Chang — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Liu, Chang
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 below.