UK scientists develop new screening test for Ebola virus

Courtesy- OMICS

Researchers at Northumbria University in the UK have developed a new and rapid point-of-care diagnostic test, EbolaCheck, for the detection of Ebola virus.

The research is intended to aid in early identification and treatment of Ebola-like symptoms to minimise the spread of the disease.

Suitable for deployment at the scene of an outbreak, the test can be used to test a blood sample that is 700 times smaller than the specimen previously required, and delivers results within 70 minutes.

As the new technology can detect and measure genes and genomes, it is expected to be useful for diagnosis of other viruses such as the Zika, MERS, SARS, flu, and dengue.

The diagnostic platform can also be used for bacterial and parasitic infections such as meningitis and malaria.