Smartphone-enabled rapid Hepatitis C antigen test
A smartphone-enabled point-of-care HCV Ag diagnostic using catalytic nanoparticles and AI-enhanced image processing
['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11166629
This project is building a low-cost smartphone-based test that quickly detects active Hepatitis C infection using catalytic nanoparticles and AI image processing.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11166629 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would use a simple cartridge and your smartphone camera to read a rapid antigen test that changes color when active Hepatitis C is present, and AI would interpret the image to give a clear result. The test uses catalytic nanoparticles to amplify the signal so low levels of virus can be detected without lab instruments. The team is developing the assay chemistry, integrating it into a point-of-care device, and training AI models to reduce reading errors. They plan to validate the device with patient samples and in clinical settings so it can be used where traditional lab testing is not available.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk for or suspected of having Hepatitis C, especially those without ready access to lab-based RNA testing, would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who need precise viral load measurements for treatment monitoring or those with resolved (past) HCV infection would be less likely to benefit from a simple antigen point-of-care test.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could deliver fast, affordable one-step diagnosis of active Hepatitis C at the point of care and reduce loss to follow-up.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory HCV core antigen assays and some RNA point-of-care platforms have shown promise, but a low-cost smartphone antigen test with AI image reading is relatively novel and not yet widely proven.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHAFIEE, HADI — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: SHAFIEE, HADI
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.