The precise detection of HIV, like many other viruses and bacteria, begins with a blood test. For logical reasons, doctors usually ask patients to meet a series of conditions before proceeding — fasting is quite common. But when it comes to HIV, that might not be necessary in the future, thanks to a new device developed by Imperial College London and DNA Electronics, which, shaped like a USB memory stick, only needs a drop of blood to measure HIV-1 levels.
I have always found glucose meters fascinating devices. Of course, not everything that glitters is gold with them (proprietary materials from manufacturers, etc.), but in seconds they give the user basic information to move forward or get in touch with a specialist. For years we have wondered if the same concept can be transferred to other kinds of tests. A system with such ease of use would give doctors a considerable advantage when making diagnoses, not to mention savings in time and supplies. However, after several empty promises and the occasional prototype, we still need the classic process to know what happens in our body. What we have here today follows a similar line to the glucose meter, but focuses on something as critical as HIV.
According to the available information, the new device developed by Imperial College London and DNA Electronics only needs a drop of blood and 30 minutes to provide results on existing HIV-1 levels. In fact, the study places the average in 21 minutes, totaling 991 samples. The most interesting thing is that it connects to a computer like a USB memory stick, ensuring high portability and compatibility compared to traditional methods.
How It Works
The device works by measuring the change in acidity levels associated with the presence of HIV-1. An integrated chip converts the received information into electrical signals, which in turn are interpreted via software on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. What still needs improvement in the device is precision. The text talks about a sensitivity of 95 percent “in vitro”, but 88.8 percent “on the chip”, meaning it is not yet at a high enough level to replace laboratory tests. In essence, we should see it as a complementary monitor, which is the same role played by the glucose meter these days.
Imperial College London
