New 15-minute Ebola Test

In one of my previous post, I promised to bring details about the new Ebola diagnostic tool (read more>). Led by researchers at the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, Senegal, the new test is to be deployed using a 'mobile suitcase laboratory', which is designed for settings where there are few resources.

The portable lab includes a solar panel, a power pack and a result reader, the size of a small laptop. The reagent substance used in the test are available as dried pellets, meaning they can be used and transported at room temperature.

The pilot trail will test whether the reagent substance is safe and effective to use with Ebola patients' blood and saliva samples.

Dr Val Snewin, international activities manager at the Wellcome Trust, said: 'A reliable, 15-minute test that can confirm cases of Ebola would be a key tool for effective management of the Ebola outbreak - allowing patients to be identified, isolated and cared for as soon as possible.

'It not only gives patients a better chance at survival, but it prevents transmission of the virus to other people.

'This pilot study is particularly promising because researchers have considered how to make the test suitable for use in remote field hospitals, where resources - such as electricity and cold storage - are often in short supply'

    WIsh the researchers God's speed!!!