Cell analysis and immunoassay device for distributed HIV diagnosis and monitoring

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this research is to develop a new approach to bring diagnosis and monitoring tests for HIV to the primary care level (primary care provider office, small healthcare clinics and labs, and community health center labs) by introducing a multi-functional cell analysis and immunoassay platform that is portable, low cost and easy to use. It will allow patients to be tested for routine blood tests (complete blood count or CBC), an essential test in primary care, andalso permit tests for detection of HIV infection (HIV-antibody and antigen tests) and CD4 counts on the same system. In the future the proposed system will allow the introduction of bead-based nucleic acid testing for HIV. This platform will improve HIV treatment outcomes by diagnosing HIV early, enhancing patient readiness for initiation of antiretroviral medications, improving and sustaining patient adherence to antiretroviral medications, and improving patient retention in medical care. Additionall