Stakeholder-engaged development of a rapid test for detection of acute HIV infection.

Background/objective: The utilization of rapid HIV tests has been effective at reducing transmission rates in high-risk populations by allowing individuals to receive diagnosis in as little as one minute and begin treatment. However, no current rapid tests can detect HIV immediately after infection in the acute HIV infection (AHI) phase, when the virus is at its most infectious, and instead require a waiting period of up to 90 days after exposure. Rapid HIV tests to detect AHI are currently under development.

Human-centered design of a smartphone-based self-test for HIV viral load monitoring.

Background/objective: HIV viral load self-testing could enable people living with HIV (PLHIV) to monitor their viral suppression status more easily, potentially facilitating medication adherence and safe behavior decision-making. Smartphone-based viral load testing innovations have the potential to reach resource-limited and vulnerable communities to address inequities in access to HIV care. However, successful development and translation of these tests requires meaningful investigation of end-user contexts and incorporation of those context-specific needs early in the design process.