SwastiChemEx: new point-of-care system for HIV/AIDS CD4 monitoring in India

Saturday, 21 February 2015

new point-of-care system for HIV/AIDS CD4 monitoring in India

Becton, Dickinson and Company has now unveiled the  BD FACSPresto, a near patient CD4 monitoring system that provides absolute and percentage results of CD4 T lymphocytes and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in whole blood samples.

The device weighs  less than 7kgs and  is capable of testing samples from a single drop of capillary or venous blood and can work for 6 hours using in-built rechargeable battery, enabling testing even in remote settings.

National AIDA Research Institute (NARI), Pune conducted a product evaluation study on the new near patient CD4 Counter system on close to 150 samples and have claimed the accuracy of the tests after conducting a systematic study.  The Institute researchers found that the accuracy and precision levels of BD FACSPresto was equivalent to the current gold standard.

CD4 testing allows HIV/AIDS patients to have access to treatment and monitoring, reducing the probability of transmitting the infection to others and providing a plan for improved long-term care. Immediate treatment for infected individuals who meet medical guidelines can dramatically quell the spread of HIV, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This is particularly important as many new cases of HIV/AIDS are transmitted from people who are not aware they are infected.

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