Austin, TX August 22, 2017 –Researchers at Public Health Solutions, in collaboration with Spot On Sciences and two US-based universities, recently completed enrollment in an NIH-funded online study to conduct at-home collection of blood to quantify HIV-RNA among a sample of U.S. HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). The study was designed to test the feasibility of collecting home dried blood specimens among MSM with suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Non-adherence to ART is a major public health challenge, as non-adherence can impede suppression of HIV and lead to further transmission of the virus. From September 2016 to June 2017, HemaSpotTM* kits, developed by Spot On Sciences, were mailed to a sample of U.S. MSM living with HIV that had been recruited online. Participants mailed completed kits to a research laboratory for HIV-RNA quantification. Among the study sample, 75% of the participants successfully completed the HemaSpot kit and returned it to the research laboratory. Of the quantified specimens, about half had detectable viremia..
“The HemaSpot device is ideal for the collection, transport and storage of HIV samples and other infectious diseases,” said Shelley Hossenlopp, Senior Director of Sales and Business Development for Spot On Sciences. “We are proud to support this collaboration, and others like it, as detection technologies and HIV treatments make headway across the globe.”
Dr. Sabina Hirshfield, principal investigator of this federally funded study, stated that “These findings suggest that home collection of DBS, using HemaSpot, is a feasible method for reaching high-risk men who struggle with ART adherence.” Dr. Hirshfield also said, “This method could eventually be developed into a complementary system of HIV care.”
Spot On Sciences, Inc., located in San Francisco, is a medical device company that is actively developing innovative methods for collecting and preserving biological fluid samples for medical testing. The premier products, HemaSpot™-HF (whole blood) and HemaSpot™-SE (separated blood), are simple to use devices for finger stick sample collection, preservation and shipment to a laboratory at room temperature. The company has been recognized with many awards for innovation including the SXSW Accelerator, Astia Venture and the Kauffman Foundation’s Get In The Ring competitions and 2015 White House Demo Days.
*CE Mark. For USA, HemaSpot devices are currently For Research Use Only. Not For Use in Diagnostic Procedures.
About Public Health Solutions
Public Health Solutions is the country’s largest public health institute and one of New York’s leading nonprofit organizations. They improve the health of people and communities throughout New York City by integrating research, policy, capacity building, and direct service. Founded in 1957, they have led the quest for innovation, better outcomes, and reduced disparities in public health for more than 50 years.
