Created by scientists from the Imperial School in London and the firm DNA Electronics, it analyzes a drop of blood and detects the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To know the results, just connect it to a computer or a mobile device that has the necessary app. Not only does it tell us if there is HIV in the blood, it also tells us in what quantity, something very useful for doctors, who can thus know if the treatments are working in the patient infected by this virus that can cause AIDS.
How does it work? A cell phone chip identifies the change in blood acidity caused by the presence of HIV and transforms it into an electrical signal that the USB transmits. According to its inventors, in the latest tests they analyzed 991 samples and achieved a 95% accuracy in the diagnosis. On average, the process took 20.8 minutes, although the researchers prudently claim that it takes half an hour.
The disposable and very inexpensive device still has to undergo additional testing and obtain approval from different health authorities, but it could prove very useful. Current HIV tests can take up to three days and require the sample to be sent to a laboratory, something that in many parts of the world – precisely those where HIV and AIDS are most prevalent there is – not possible.
Antiretroviral treatments bring virus levels to near zero, but sometimes HIV develops resistance to the drugs and grows back in numbers. This USB would detect it and allow doctors to take action quickly.
Photo: Imperial School of London / DNA Electronics.
