Search

We design a “simple” and “low cost” model technology for monitoring HIV viral load in resource-poor settings: SMARThivVLmos. Cost and complexity are the major challenges to the developing world, in monitoring HIV patients viral load. We have previously demonstrated in our SMARThivPack model that cost and complexity of laboratory monitoring of HIV patients, may be reduced not only at a first technology development level, but also at a second technology implementation, and at a third global coordination levels. In our SMARThivPack model, the P24 HIV viral load monitoring system passed both the “cost” and the “complexity” tests. However, compared to other alternative viral monitoring systems such as the Cavidi EXAVIR, the sensitivity of the P24 system is too low. Here we describe a dynamic model technology that overcomes the sensitivity barrier of the P24 system while maintaining simplicity and low cost.

We design a “simple” and “low cost” model technology for monitoring HIV patients CD4 number in resource-poor settings: SMARThivCD4mos. Cost and complexity are the major challenges to the developing world in transferring and implementing HIV surveillance technologies. We previously proposed a “three tests” combo kit model for improving HIV patients monitoring standards in resource-poor settings. From the pool of recommended alternative CD4 counting technologies, our “three tests” combo kit model retained the Capcellia technology for its “simplicity”. However, compared to other CD4 counting technologies, such as Dynabeads, the Capcellia technology is “expensive”. Here, we describe a cost reduction strategy of the Capcellia technology.