LOW-COST PHONE ATTACHMENT CAN TEST FOR HIV

An innovative blood test device that is powered solely by a smartphone, is helping to bring fast and low-cost HIV diagnosis to Africa. The smartphone accessory which was designed by Samuel K. Sia and his team at Columbia Engineering can perform a point-of-care test that simultaneously identifies three infectious disease markers from a pin prick of blood. The test uses the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method to test for HIV and both active and non-active syphilis.

Users hold the device in one hand and place a thumb into a disposable plastic bulb to draw out a sample of blood and only have to wait 15 minutes to receive a result. Pairing diagnostic kits and widely available smartphone technology will bring high quality diagnostics to a larger number of people. Many commentators expect this kind of low-cost, high tech solution will revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered around the world. The device costs USD$34 (€30) and has already been used in a pilot program in Rwanda.

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