SMARThiv3TestsMobileLab: ‘The Mobile Life Box’, A Mobile Diagnostic Laboratory Model for Monitoring HIV Patients in Resource-Poor Settings

Abstract

We design a mobile diagnostic laboratory model that overcomes cost and complexity barriers to implementing ‘individual-centered three tests’ in monitoring HIV patients in resource-poor settings: the ‘Mobile Life Box’. We previously described a ‘three-test’ combo kit model for improving HIV patient monitoring standards in resource-poor settings: SMARThivPack. SMARThivPack model overcomes primary barriers such as technology cost and complexity. However, SMARThivPack model does not address secondary barriers such as refrigerators, power supply, internet connection and waste management systems. Previously developed mobile laboratory systems overcome the secondary barriers, and Partec mobile CD4 counting laboratory demonstrated the feasibility of mobile HIV patient monitoring in resource-poor settings. Here we describe a model diagnostic laboratory system that extends mobile HIV patient monitoring, from a ‘single’ CD4 test, to ‘three’ CD4, viral load and pharmacoresistance tests.