Paper-based HIV viral load self-test
Paper-based HIV self test
A low-cost paper device that lets people check their HIV viral load at home from a small fingerstick blood sample.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319900 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to build a disposable, paper-based self-test that detects HIV RNA from a fingerstick blood sample using passive sample processing. It uses an enzyme-free RNA amplification method called hairpin cascade reactions (HCR) to amplify viral genetic material in a tiny droplet on paper. The team will integrate blood processing, viral lysis, RNA capture, and HCR amplification into a single low-cost cartridge and test its performance in the lab. They will also gather feedback from people at risk for HIV about design and usability and create a pilot manufacturing plan.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk for recent HIV exposure and people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy who want to monitor for possible viral rebound would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who need precise laboratory viral load numbers, resistance testing, or immediate clinical intervention may not get those detailed clinical results from a home paper test.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let people detect acute HIV infection and viral rebound at home faster and more affordably than current lab tests.
How similar studies have performed: Antibody-based home HIV tests are common, but RNA-based home tests are largely novel; the HCR amplification approach has shown single-copy sensitivity in lab settings but has not been widely deployed as a consumer self-test.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Benjamin L — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Miller, Benjamin L
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.