Field trials of rapid, inexpensive and portable HIV test show success, researchers report

"The first field trial for a 'lab on a chip' accurately detected both HIV and syphilis among a Rwandan population, researchers reported Sunday" in an online report published by Nature Medicine, the Washington Post reports (Torres, 7/31).

With near 100 percent accuracy, the credit-card-sized device, called an "mChip," "could help knock down three barriers to effective delivery of health care into the world's poorest regions: difficult access, high costs and long delays for results," according to SAPA/Agence France-Presse/Times Live (7/31). "Funding is crucial for further development of the lab on a chip. A lack of interest from companies is likely keeping the test from reaching the ground within two or three years, [developer Samual] Sia estimated, despite excitement from the global health community," the Washington Post writes (7/31).