Groundbreaking UCF Test Detects Hepatitis B, C, and HIV Simultaneously

New low-cost diagnostic tool could revolutionize viral infection management globally.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:56pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph revealing the intricate molecular structure of a virus particle, conceptually representing the innovative diagnostic technology's ability to detect multiple viral infections at once.A groundbreaking diagnostic tool developed at the University of Central Florida could revolutionize the simultaneous detection of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, offering hope for improved patient care worldwide.Today in Orlando

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a revolutionary diagnostic test that can simultaneously detect hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV from a single sample. This innovative electrochemical biosensor technology aims to provide rapid, accurate, and affordable viral load testing, especially in resource-limited settings where access to traditional lab-based diagnostics is limited.

Why it matters

Current standard tests for these viruses involve time-consuming blood draws and lab analysis, which can delay diagnosis and treatment, especially in remote areas. The ability to screen for multiple life-threatening viruses at once has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and curb the spread of these infections globally.

The details

The UCF research team, led by Dr. Karin Chumbimuni-Torres, has received NIH funding to advance this novel diagnostic tool. Unlike traditional blood tests, the sensor technology detects viral RNA, allowing it to identify any HIV serotype mutations. The team is using isothermal amplification to detect specific genetic sequences for each virus and quantify viral loads. This information can then guide tailored treatment plans for patients who may have co-infections.

  • The UCF research team received a significant grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance this novel diagnostic tool.
  • The team aims to develop a rapid, accurate, and affordable test that can simultaneously detect hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

The players

University of Central Florida (UCF)

The university where the groundbreaking diagnostic test was developed by a team of experts from the College of Medicine and the College of Sciences.

Dr. Karin Chumbimuni-Torres

The associate professor of chemistry who is leading the research team and has previously developed similar sensor technology for detecting Dengue fever and the Zika virus.

Dr. Yulia Gerasimova

The associate professor of chemistry involved in the project, who emphasizes the importance of simultaneous detection of the three viruses that share transmission routes.

Dr. Daniel Ram

The assistant professor of infectious disease at UCF, who has personal experience with the challenges of accessing diagnostic testing in resource-limited settings and sees the potential for this technology to improve patient care globally.

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What they’re saying

“Those viruses share the same transmission routes, increasing the likelihood of co-infections. Doctors need tailored treatment plans based on whether patients have one or multiple viruses.”

— Dr. Yulia Gerasimova, Associate Professor of Chemistry

“The goal is to make this accessible worldwide, regardless of the environment. The ability to detect multiple viruses at once has the potential to benefit everyone.”

— Dr. Daniel Ram, Assistant Professor of Infectious Disease

“HIV frequently mutates, so we've programmed our sensor to detect any serotype. This is crucial, as HIV can mutate significantly, and our technique can identify any of these mutations.”

— Dr. Karin Chumbimuni-Torres, Associate Professor of Chemistry

What’s next

The research team plans to continue refining their technique and validating the sensor's ability to accurately detect and quantify viral loads for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. They aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of this technology in order to make it accessible worldwide, regardless of the environment.

The takeaway

This groundbreaking diagnostic tool developed at the University of Central Florida has the potential to revolutionize the management of viral infections globally. By providing a rapid, affordable, and accurate way to simultaneously detect multiple life-threatening viruses, it could significantly improve patient outcomes and curb the spread of these diseases, especially in resource-limited settings.