A new product from Alere allows CD4 to be rapidly and accurately measured at the point of care. The simple and easy to use Pima system counts T-helper cells on a 25 μl finger prick blood sample, giving results in just 20 minutes – a considerable benefit over existing
technologies. An essential part of HIV management, the CD4 count provides a baseline indicator of immune status that is monitored to assess the response to antiretroviral drugs. However access to
testing has always been a major issue as only specialist laboratories have traditionally performed CD4 counts. Sending samples away for testing involves waiting for results, repeat visits and delays in treatment. The Pima CD4 revolutionises this approach and is the first test to allow on-the-spot determination of immune-status, introducing significant benefits in terms of care, convenience and cost. The portable instrument is simple to operate and can be used in any community or mobile situation to provide immediate and accurate CD4 counts.