Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-31550815
20 February 2015 Last updated at 05:48 ET
Fifteen-minute Ebola test approved
By James Gallagher Health editor, BBC News website
The first rapid blood test for Ebola has been approved for use by the World Health Organization.
It should allow patients to be identified, isolated and cared for as quickly as possible in an attempt to bring an end to the outbreak that has killed more than 9,300 people.
It is less accurate than conventional tests, but takes minutes rather than hours to get a result.
The test also works without electricity so it can be used in remote regions.
Current Ebola testing requires a laboratory to analyse the blood for fragments of the virus's genetic material.
It can take between 12 and 24 hours to get a definitive answer.
The ReEBOV Antigen Rapid Test, developed by US company Corgenix, searches the blood for a different part of the virus.
Trials in West Africa suggest it correctly identifies about 92% of people who have Ebola...
20 February 2015 Last updated at 05:48 ET
Fifteen-minute Ebola test approved
By James Gallagher Health editor, BBC News website
The first rapid blood test for Ebola has been approved for use by the World Health Organization.
It should allow patients to be identified, isolated and cared for as quickly as possible in an attempt to bring an end to the outbreak that has killed more than 9,300 people.
It is less accurate than conventional tests, but takes minutes rather than hours to get a result.
The test also works without electricity so it can be used in remote regions.
Current Ebola testing requires a laboratory to analyse the blood for fragments of the virus's genetic material.
It can take between 12 and 24 hours to get a definitive answer.
The ReEBOV Antigen Rapid Test, developed by US company Corgenix, searches the blood for a different part of the virus.
Trials in West Africa suggest it correctly identifies about 92% of people who have Ebola...