The first rapid blood test for Ebola has been approved by the World Health Organization. It allows 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, BBC News Website reported.
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 analyze the blood for fragments of the virus’s genetic material. It can take between 12 and 24 hours to get a definite answer.
