The World Health Organization
has approved a rapid test for the Ebola virus which can deliver a diagnosis in
just 15 minutes.
In what could be a
breakthrough for bringing the epidemic in West Africa to an end, the test kits
will be deployed to countries affected by Ebola within a matter of weeks.
Although less accurate than
traditional tests, which can take anywhere between 12 and 24 hours, this kit
does not require electricity - making it ideal for examining patients in remote
areas.
During rigorous trials
conducted by the WHO, the ReEBOV Antigen Rapid Test correctly identified 92% of
those infected with Ebola, and 85% who were free of the virus.
The health agency has said
this new testing kit should be followed up with a laboratory test wherever
possible.
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