New rapid Ebola test approved by the WHO
Blood test helps identify infected patients within 15 minutes
The ability to quickly identify patients with Ebola is set to become a reality, with the World Health Organization approving the use of a new 15-minute rapid Ebola blood test.
The ReEBOV Antigen Rapid Test, developed by US company Corgenix, detects the Ebola protein in the patient’s blood. Trials have shown the test correctly identifies up to 92 percent of Ebola-infected patients and clears 85 percent of those not infected with the virus.
Results are typically provided within 15 minutes, allowing quicker isolation and treatment for patients positively identified with the disease.
This is in stark contrast to more traditional tests that search for the virus’ genetic material in the patient’s blood and require expensive laboratory equipment, fully trained staff and take between 12 and 24 hours to produce results.
While less accurate, the antigen test is rapid, easy to perform and does not require electricity. It can therefore be used at lower health care facilities or in mobile units for patients in remote settings, according to the WHO.
9,380 people have died in the Ebola outbreak so far and more than 23,250 have been infected, the BBC reported.
The WHO recommends that, where possible, positive test results should still be confirmed by more accurate, conventional tests.
“The new test could help to quickly confirm outbreaks in remote areas without the need to send samples to a testing clinic and wait for results,” said Dr Ben Neuman, lecturer in virology at the University of Reading, according to a report in The Guardian.
“The new test isn’t about saving the lives of infected people, but it can help in the long run by making it easier and quicker to detect Ebola outbreaks,” Dr Neuman said.
Further links:
Who.int
Bbc.com
TheGuardian.com
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