Regular blood tests are often difficult due to financial and logical challenges. To remove this, scientists have developed an innovative paper-based test that enables HIV patients to collect and mail a drop of blood for distance analysis, which reduces the need for clinic tour .

This new device absorbs and stores blood samples on a specially designed paper, ensuring accurate measurements for monitoring infection.

Wax-affected patterns on paper regulate the accurate amount of blood collected, ensuring stability and accuracy in the reading. Technology is especially useful in observing the progression of the drug and monitoring the disease.

Researchers tested the device on 75 HIV positive patients in South Africa. The Plasma Spot Card designed by Tufts University demonstrated higher accuracy than the Rosh Plasma Spot Card, which is the current industry standard.

The conclusions published in the proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences also highlight the ability of the device to detect drug-resistant viral mutations.

The senior writer’s writer Mess said, “Our intuition told us that by pattering a specific spot shape, we can control the plasma volume collected properly.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring compatibility with the existing laboratory workflows to encourage widely adoption.

The next step for researchers is commercializing technology for regular use. Mess said that simplicity in design is important for access and strength.

“Those obstacles make research more challenging, but they eventually lead to solutions that are practical and impressive in healthcare,” he said.

By reducing dependence on clinical visits, this innovation can significantly improve HIV monitoring, especially in resource-limited settings.

The device promises for extensive applications in healthcare, requiring the necessary diagnosis.