Rapid Test for Ebola Approved by WHO

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

GENEVA – The World Health Organisation has approved the first rapid test for Ebola in a potential breakthrough for ending an epidemic that has killed almost 10,000 people in West Africa, it said on Friday.

The test, developed by US firm Corgenix Medical Corp, is less accurate than the standard test but is easy to perform, does not require electricity, and can give results within 15 minutes, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said.

While the standard lab test has a turnaround time of 12-24 hours, this first rapid test gives results in 15 minutes. It is not failsafe but will be very useful in identifying patients who need to be quarantined.

For the rest of the story, please read WHO Approves Breakthrough 15-Minute Ebola Test