Futuristic lab in Swaziland with scientists conducting HIV viral load testing using the Biocentric platform.

HIV Viral Load Testing: How a New Platform Can Improve Access in Swaziland

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how the Biocentric® open real-time PCR platform is making HIV viral load quantification more accessible and accurate in resource-limited settings like Swaziland."

In the global fight against HIV, monitoring viral load (VL) is crucial for effective treatment. As more people receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), the demand for VL testing has surged, especially in resource-limited settings (RLS). However, the existing commercial VL testing methods aren't always suitable for these environments. This creates a critical need for accessible and accurate VL testing solutions.

Swaziland, a country with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world, has been actively expanding its VL monitoring programs. To address the challenges of scalability and accessibility, various VL platforms have been introduced, including the Biocentric platform. This system offers a promising alternative, but its effectiveness needs to be thoroughly evaluated under real-world conditions.

A recent study conducted in Swaziland has explored the suitability and diagnostic accuracy of the Biocentric® open real-time PCR platform for plasma-based HIV viral load quantification. The study aimed to determine if the Biocentric platform could provide a reliable solution for VL testing in resource-constrained settings, ultimately contributing to better patient care and program outcomes.

What is the Biocentric Platform and How Does It Work?

Futuristic lab in Swaziland with scientists conducting HIV viral load testing using the Biocentric platform.

The Biocentric platform is a multi-manufacturer open system designed for nucleic acid amplification and detection. It consists of:

A fully automated RNA and DNA extractor (Arrow). A real-time PCR system (FluoroCycler® 96). The system uses Generic HIV Charge Virale assay and test kits, developed by the French Agency for Research on AIDS and viral hepatitis (ANRS). The Biocentric assay received CE certification by a European Notified Body (British Standards Institution) and has been submitted for WHO pre-qualification of in vitro diagnostics.

Open automated RNA and DNA extractor (Arrow)
Real-time PCR system (FluoroCycler® 96)
Generic HIV Charge Virale assay and test kits, developed by the French Agency for Research on AIDS and viral hepatitis (ANRS)

Unlike closed systems, the Biocentric platform offers greater flexibility and adaptability, allowing labs to use different reagents and customize protocols. This can be particularly advantageous in resource-limited settings, where supply chain issues and cost considerations often dictate testing strategies.

The Future of HIV Monitoring in Resource-Limited Settings

The study highlights the potential of the Biocentric platform as a valuable tool for HIV viral load quantification in resource-limited settings. Its comparable accuracy to reference methods, coupled with its adaptability and potential for cost-effectiveness, makes it a promising option for expanding access to essential HIV monitoring services. By addressing the specific needs and challenges of these settings, innovative solutions like the Biocentric platform can contribute to improved patient outcomes and more effective HIV control efforts.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1186/s12879-018-3474-1, Alternate LINK

Title: Field Suitability And Diagnostic Accuracy Of The Biocentric® Open Real-Time Pcr Platform For Plasma-Based Hiv Viral Load Quantification In Swaziland

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: BMC Infectious Diseases

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Bernhard Kerschberger, Qhubekani Mpala, Paola Andrea Díaz Uribe, Gugu Maphalala, Roberto De La Tour, Sydney Kalombola, Addis Bekele, Tiwonge Chawinga, Mukelo Mliba, Nombuso Ntshalintshali, Nomcebo Phugwayo, Serge Mathurin Kabore, Javier Goiri, Sindisiwe Dlamini, Iza Ciglenecki, Emmanuel Fajardo

Published: 2018-11-14

Everything You Need To Know

What is the Biocentric platform?

The Biocentric platform is a system designed for HIV viral load quantification, offering a flexible and adaptable solution. It includes the Arrow automated RNA and DNA extractor, the FluoroCycler 96 real-time PCR system, and utilizes the Generic HIV Charge Virale assay and test kits. Its open nature allows for the use of different reagents and customization, which is particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings like Swaziland.

Why is HIV viral load testing important?

HIV viral load testing is essential for managing HIV and monitoring the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). By measuring the amount of HIV in a patient's blood, healthcare providers can assess how well treatment is working. Accurate and accessible VL testing is crucial because as more people receive ART, the demand for testing increases, especially in areas with limited resources where traditional methods may not be feasible.

What is the significance of the Biocentric platform?

The Biocentric platform is significant because it addresses the challenges of HIV viral load testing in resource-limited settings. Its open design allows for greater flexibility in using different reagents and adapting to local supply chain issues and cost constraints. The study conducted in Swaziland aimed to assess its diagnostic accuracy and suitability, highlighting its potential to provide reliable VL testing, ultimately contributing to better patient care.

What was the purpose of the study in Swaziland?

The study in Swaziland explored the effectiveness of the Biocentric platform for HIV viral load quantification. The study aimed to determine if the Biocentric platform could provide a reliable solution for VL testing in resource-constrained settings. The study demonstrated the platform's comparable accuracy and adaptability, suggesting its value in expanding access to essential HIV monitoring services in resource-limited settings, thereby improving patient outcomes and HIV control efforts.

What are the implications of using the Biocentric platform?

The implications of using the Biocentric platform are significant for HIV control efforts in resource-limited settings. By offering an accurate, adaptable, and potentially cost-effective method for HIV viral load quantification, the platform can improve patient outcomes. Access to VL testing is essential to the ability to provide treatment and monitor the effectiveness of that treatment, leading to better HIV control and management, particularly in regions like Swaziland, where such resources are often limited.