Catbird
Senior Moderator
Not many details on this yet although, based on what is already known, throat swab testing seems to be less than reliable. But hopefully this will be reported in an open source journal article with some detail on methodology, accuracy, etc.
"Australian pathologists have modified an existing bird flu test to specifically detect the new strain, H7N9, which has killed at least 32 people.
...Pathology Queensland has modified an existing bird flu test to specifically detect the new strain in throat swabs or breath samples taken from patients suspected of having the virus.
The result is then confirmed with further analysis.
Professor Graeme Nimmo, director of microbiology Pathology Queensland, says the test is an essential part of being prepared for any potential bird flu pandemic.
"It allows cases to be detected very rapidly, enabling treatment to commence in as short a possible time, limiting the spread of the disease and the impact on the community," he said in a statement...".
xhttp://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1765330/Aust-test-for-deadly-new-bird-flu-strain
"Australian pathologists have modified an existing bird flu test to specifically detect the new strain, H7N9, which has killed at least 32 people.
...Pathology Queensland has modified an existing bird flu test to specifically detect the new strain in throat swabs or breath samples taken from patients suspected of having the virus.
The result is then confirmed with further analysis.
Professor Graeme Nimmo, director of microbiology Pathology Queensland, says the test is an essential part of being prepared for any potential bird flu pandemic.
"It allows cases to be detected very rapidly, enabling treatment to commence in as short a possible time, limiting the spread of the disease and the impact on the community," he said in a statement...".
xhttp://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1765330/Aust-test-for-deadly-new-bird-flu-strain