Integrated Sample Preparation with Paper-Based Electrokinetic Separation for HIV Viral Load Testing

Abstract

Low-cost point-of-care testing for HIV viral load tests are needed in low- and middle-income countries to routinely assess the efficacy of HIV viral suppression treatment. We present a paper-based device that integrates all sample preparation operations required for HIV testing in whole blood samples. We employ an electrokinetic technique, termed isotachophoresis, to extract RNA from HIV-positive serum using low-cost materials, simple buffers, and an applied voltage potential.