The α-test: Rapid Cell-free CD4 Enumeration Using Whole SalivaCynthia L. Bristow 1, Mariya A. Babayeva 1, Rozbeh Modarresi 1, Carole P. McArthur 2, Santosh Kumar 3, Charles Awasom 4, Leo Ayuk 4, Annette Njinda 5, Paul Achu 5, Ronald Winston 6
1Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College , 2Department of Oral Biology, University of Missouri-Kansas City-School of Dentistry, 3Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Missouri Kansas City- School of Pharmacy, 4Regional Hospital, Bamenda, NWP, Cameroon, 5Mezam Polyclinic HIV/AIDS Treatment Center, Cameroon, 6Institute for Human Genetics and Biochemistry
A CD4 enumeration method, the α-test, is described which uses whole saliva to provide rapid and accurate CD4 counts. The α-test costs pennies and eliminates the need for technical training, costly reagents such as monoclonal antibodies, instrumentation, refrigeration, transport of samples, as well as collection and handling of blood.
