At-home rapid HIV test to find early infection (HIV-eCaDI)
Development of a robust HIV-1 diagnostic system (HIV-eCaDI) for at-home testing
This project is creating an inexpensive at-home HIV test that can detect early infection by finding the HIV p24 protein in a small blood sample, for people who want faster screening after potential exposures or routine checks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259505 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is building an at-home test you could use with a small fingerstick of blood to find HIV earlier than standard antibody-only kits. It uses an electrochemical capillary-driven immunoassay designed to detect the HIV-1 p24 protein at very low levels (target 10 pg/mL). Researchers will develop and optimize the device in the lab, compare its results to standard laboratory tests, and simplify the steps so it is rapid and easy to use at home. If the test proves accurate and reliable, the team will work toward broader availability and regulatory approval for home use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with recent possible HIV exposure, individuals on or considering PrEP who need frequent screening, or anyone who wants earlier at-home HIV detection.
Not a fit: People already diagnosed and stably suppressed on antiretroviral therapy, or those who cannot or will not perform a small fingerstick blood test, may not benefit from this at-home p24 test.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let people detect acute HIV infection at home sooner than current rapid antibody tests, helping reduce transmission and speed linkage to care.
How similar studies have performed: Most existing rapid HIV tests detect antibodies and miss very early infection, while laboratory p24 antigen tests have shown promise but have not been widely validated or available as easy at-home options.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Geiss, Brian — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Geiss, Brian
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.