New “Chip” Could Provide Quick Bird Flu Test

November 8, 2005 | Source: Reuters

A new “chip” can test for 11 different influenza strains, including avian flu, in less than a quarter of the time it now takes to diagnose flu in patients.

Samples from suspected human cases of H5N1 are now sent to central laboratories for confirmation, but that takes days. Doctors need to know sooner so they can give patients antiviral drugs within 48 hours to lessen the severity of the illness.

Health officials also need to know rapidly so they can track anyone who may have been infected by the patient.