A tactile COVID test for people with low vision or blindness
Official title: No power, at home COVID diagnostic with tactile readout
Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-10873754 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new at-home COVID test designed for people with low vision or blindness, so they can feel a texture change on the test to know if they have COVID-19, making it easier and more accessible for them to check their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,445 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY035086-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873754 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with low vision or blindness who require accessible COVID-19 testing solutions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have normal vision or do not require tactile feedback for testing will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create an at-home COVID diagnostic test that is accessible for individuals with low vision or blindness. Instead of relying on visual cues, the test will provide a tactile readout, allowing users to feel a texture change that indicates whether they are positive or negative for COVID-19. The approach involves developing special polymers that bind to COVID antigens in saliva, resulting in a distinct tactile sensation on the test surface. The project will include human testing to ensure the device is effective and user-friendly for those with visual impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable individuals with low vision or blindness to independently and accurately test for COVID-19 at home.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in accessible medical technologies, this specific tactile approach for COVID testing is novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Delaware
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dhong, Charles B. — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Dhong, Charles B.
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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.