New HIV Test Gives Hope To Poor Countries

A new HIV test is giving hope for cheaper testing in poor countries. The new test uses nanotechnology to change a sample vial red or blue depending on if the blood is HIV positive or not. This new breakthrough was made through research from the Imperial College in London and published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

The test works by reactive to a persons serum, which is a clear fluid derived from blood samples. It is placed in a vial where the test reacts to the HIV biomarker p24. If the p24 is in the serum, the nanoparticles clump together in an irregular pattern which turns the solution blue. If p24 is not in the serum, the nanoparticles turn into a ball shape, which turns the solution red.

This new testing costs 10 times less than the common HIV testing methods. What makes it particularly innovative is that it can detect HIV in patients where previous testing has been inconclusive. The spit method, which analyzes saliva, can only test the virus when it has relatively high concentrations in the body. This nanotechnology test can accurately show results even with low concentrations.

The low cost and accurate results will help improve the diagnosis of HIV in poor countries. This new testing method can be used for other diseases, such as Tuberculosis, malaria, sepsis, certain cancers, and Leishmaniasis.

Source: Fox News