Home HIV monitor -˜coming’

People living with HIV could soon be able to monitor their own condition at home, thanks to a testing device being developed in the UK.

Three of the UK’s leading research centres have united to develop a blood prick device -” similar to those used by diabetics -” for use by people living with HIV.

The device, which could be ready within three years, would allow patients to measure virus levels in the blood and would display alerts if medical treatment was necessary.

It will really empower HIV patients to keep a close eye on their health and their treatments, one of the project’s co-investigators told BBC News.

ACON community services director Russell Westacott agreed the device could have many benefits, but had reservations.

In principle, the idea of people being able to monitor themselves at home, like people with diabetes, is probably a good thing. But that does not in any way take away the need to see a doctor on a regular basis, he told Sydney Star Observer.

A doctor is in the best place to explain what any changes or fluctuations in measurements mean, he said.

The current three-monthly visits also mean that people get a plethora of tests done -” anything from calcium levels to sugar levels. It’s not just about measuring HIV in terms of CD4 levels and viral load tests.

The device could have psychological benefits for people though, he said.

For some people who need that reinforcement on a regular basis, that’s going to be great and that’s going to work for them.

But the concern is that for other people it might be something they become obsessed about or too focused on, when they have a limited capacity to change the situation.

It’s not like diabetes. Someone who’s measuring their diabetes can make alterations to their diet. They can alter their sugar levels, whereas with HIV it’s not something you have complete control over.