Problem being addressed
There is a need to develop CD4 counters that do not rely on laboratory workers and expensive/complicated equipment. A counter that can be used by rural clinicians in the field without extensive training would go a long way towards managing HIV in rural areas.
Detailed description of the solution
Microfluidic cell chromatography isolates cells and other particles in a miniature sensing chamber, without the complex manual steps of blood tests. This technology addresses the issue that clinicians face when working beyond the reach of sophisticated labs. The second innovation is electrochemical sensing, using lysate impedance spectroscopy. The system uses a simple sensor that counts the captured CD4 cells by measuring their internal contents electrically. A hand-held instrument interprets the electrical signal, and reports the CD4 count within minutes.
Designed by
- Designed by: Daktari Diagnostics
- Manufacturer location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
When and where it was tested/implemented
A clinical trial took place in Seattle the summer of 2010 and clinical trials have also been conducted in Uganda.
Funding Source
Private funding. Also, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded clinical trials.
References
Externally generated reports
McBride R. (2009.) Daktari Diagnostics, backed by Gates Foundation, raises funds for HIV test study. Link available here
McBride R. (2009.) Daktari Diagnostics, backed by Gates Foundation, raises funds for HIV test study. Link available here.