Advanced Liquid Logic, based in Morrisville, NC, has won a four-year, $5.2 million contract from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to develop an HIV-detection tool, reports Triangle Business Journal.

According to the article, the device, which would be used in parts of the world with limited medical resources, would be able to measure antibodies as well as viral load. Researchers have been developing technology using electrical signals to move small amounts of liquid for diagnostic devices. Advanced Liquid Logic will award a subcontract to the Duke Human Vaccine Institute for HIV field trials.

“Pending successful development, the application of this new technology in low-income countries could mean the difference between life and death for many people,” said Michael Merson, director of the Duke Global Health Institute.