A smartphone system for diagnosing viral infections at the point of care

Smartphone-linked system for diagnosis and epidemiological reporting of pathogens at the point of care

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10462690

This study is testing a handy device that can quickly and accurately check for viral infections like Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya using just a tiny blood sample, making it easier for people to get results on their smartphones, especially in places without labs.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Champaign, United States)
Project IDNIH-10462690 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research develops a portable platform that allows for the quick and accurate diagnosis of viral infections such as Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya using a small blood sample. The system utilizes a microfluidic cartridge that processes the sample and performs a specific amplification technique to detect pathogens. Results are communicated to a smartphone, enabling easy access to diagnostic information. This innovative approach aims to provide reliable testing in settings where traditional laboratory resources are unavailable.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals presenting symptoms of viral infections like Zika, Dengue, or Chikungunya, particularly in areas where these diseases are prevalent.

Not a fit: Patients with non-viral infections or those not exhibiting symptoms of the targeted diseases may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses of viral infections, improving patient outcomes and enabling timely treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success with point-of-care diagnostic systems, indicating that this approach has the potential to be effective.

Where this research is happening

Champaign, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.