Cheaper test for monitoring HIV

The test is 80% cheaper than others

Scientists have developed a test which can measure HIV levels in the blood much more quickly and cheaply.

The test could transform the treatment of millions with the disease, not least those in developing countries.

Doctors need to be able to test HIV levels to find out if patients are responding to drugs.

But the cost has proved prohibitive in many countries. Scientists hope the PLG CD4 test, which is 80% cheaper than other tests, can solve that problem.

Counting cells

Doctors around the world find out how patients are faring against HIV/Aids by counting their infected CD4 cells, a type of white blood cell.

However, tests are generally expensive and burdensome.

The new approach to CD4 testing created by Dr Glencross is a major advance John McGoldrick, Bristol Myers Squibb

This new test reduces the number of steps doctors need to take to count infected CD4 cells.

It also enables them to analyse samples up to five days after they have been collected, which means it can be used in rural and remote areas. It is as accurate as other tests.

"Essentially, we have taken a test that is already available - known as CD4 - and have made it considerably more affordable and easier to use, without compromise of quality or reproducibility," said Dr Debbie Glencross, a scientist at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa.

"At the same time, we have made a service that is accessible to rural and remote areas."

Former US President Bill Clinton has given his backing to the new test.

His presidential foundation is helping to set up Aids treatment programmes in a number of developing countries. They will use the new test.

The PLG CD4 test was developed with financial support from the pharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb.

John McGoldrick, its executive vice-president, said the test will help millions of people.

"The new approach to CD4 testing created by Dr Glencross is a major advance and could provide cost savings of 70% to 80% over traditional testing methods," he said.

"Because CD4 cell counts help physicians and patients monitor HIV/Aids disease progression and immune system health, the impact of an easier, more cost effective system is expected to be considerable."

Californian company Beckman Coulter will produce the PLG CD4 test.