Scientists have developed an HIV test which they claim works in just 30 minutes and can be performed anywhere in the world - no laboratory required. An international team has developed the prototype CD4 rapid test, similar in design to a home pregnancy test, which works with a finger-prick blood sample to measure the numbers of CD4+ T-cells in a person's blood. CD4+ T-cells are critical for a healthy functioning immune system and are slowly destroyed during the course of an HIV infection, thereby making patients increasingly vulnerable to illness. According to lead scientist Professor Suzanne Crowe of Burnet Institute, the test enables patients at the point of care to find out within just 30 minutes if they should begin antiretroviral treatment without any laboratory equipment being required.