Battery-Powered Portable Multiplexed RT - PCR for HIV-1 and HIV-2 Viral Load Testing at LIMIC

HIV is a major health issue in LMICs, necessitating precise viral load (VL) monitoring for effective management. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has made HIV manageable, underscoring the need for effective VL testing to achieve the 95-95-95 targets. The diversity of HIV subtypes in LMICs calls for innovative diagnostic solutions. Here, we demonstrate a portable multiplex RT-PCR device designed for fast and cost-effective testing of HIV-1 and HIV-2 using finger-prick blood in LMICs. It features on-site RNA extraction and real-time multiplex RT-PCR targeting HIV-1, HIV-2, and an internal process control of RNase P. The cost per test is approximately $10, based on laboratory-scale material costs. The device offers a sample-to-answer turnaround time of less than 70 minutes. Our internally controlled device exhibited 100% sensitivity and specificity against HIV-1, and 100% sensitivity and 90.91 % specificity against HIV-2.