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Researchers at Stockholm, Sweden’s
School of Biotechnology at KTH Royal Institute of Technology report they have
converted a DVD player into a laser scanning microscope that can complete an
HIV test in a few minutes. According to senior lecturer Aman Russom, the
“Lab-on-DVD” player can “analyze blood and perform cellular imaging with
one-micrometer resolution.”
Conversion of the dated DVD
technology may provide a fast, cost-effective technology for healthcare in the
developing world. Standard HIV testing uses flow cytometry to analyze CD4
counts from blood samples, but each flow cytometry unit costs approximately
$30,000, plus maintenance costs. In contrast, a mass-produced Lab-on-DVD player
would cost less than $200. The Lab-on-DVD players also would be more portable
and require less training to operate than a flow cytometry unit.
The quick HIV test results provided
by the Lab-on-DVD players would make it possible for patients to receive their
HIV test results at the first visit rather than returning for a follow-up visit
to get test results.
The full report, “Bioimaging: Lab on
a DVD,” was published online in the journal Nature Phototonics (2013;
doi:10.1038/nphoton.2013.64).
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
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