Trials of the filtration system, aptly named the HIV-Hemopurifier, began in February of this year according to Richard Tullis, Aethlon's chief project researcher. The HIV-Hemopurifier method is based on kidney dialysis, Tullis told United Press International.

"We use the same hollow-fiber cartridge used for kidney dialysis," Tullis said. "The cartridge contains hair-like fibers with pores that trap particles larger than the virus. Smaller particles pass through the pores and circulate over polysaccharide beads coated with antibodies. These antibodies are specific for Gp120, a surface protein on the AIDS virus. The virus sticks to the antibody-coated beads, allowing uncontaminated material to flow through the filters and back into the blood stream."

In essence, Tullis said, the system filters out AIDS virus in much the same way a water filtration system removes lead and other impurities from drinking water. In the Hemopurifier case, Tullis removed HIV from several 10 milliliter samples of contaminated blood plasma.