Categories: Africa newsHealth

Ebola outbreak: 15-minute blood and saliva test to be trialed in Guinea

British scientists will trial a 15-minute blood and saliva Ebola test in Guinea.

The solar-powered, portable laboratory should deliver results six times faster than tests currently used in West Africa.

The researchers involved say faster diagnosis would increase the chances of survival and reduce transmission of the virus.

The trial will take place at an Ebola treatment centre in Conakry, Guinea.

Ebola is currently diagnosed by hunting for the virus’s genetic material in the blood of a patient.

The test requires dedicated laboratories that can keep the components of the test at very low temperatures.

Patients in Conakry will still have the proven test, but the new faster method will be trialed at the same time so the results can be compared.

The project, led by the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, Senegal, uses a mobile suitcase laboratory’.

It is portable, solar-powered and can be used at room temperature.

The project is being funded by the Wellcome Trust medical charity and the UK’s Department for International Development.

Dr. Val Snewin, the 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 of 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.”

Kathryn R. Bown

Kathryn - Our health specialist likes to share with the readers the latest news from the field. Nobody understands better than her the relation between healthy mind and healthy body.

Recent Posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Celebrate Election Victory at UFC 309

Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…

5 days ago

White House 2024: Donald Trump Wins, Kamala Harris Calls Him to Concede Election

Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Donald Trump Declares Victory as He Addresses Jubilant Supporters in Florida

Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…

2 weeks ago

Stocks Soaring as Donald Trump Closes in on US Victory

Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Kamala Harris Cancels Election Night Party as Path to Victory Narrows

Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…

2 weeks ago

Quincy Jones Dead at 91

Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…

2 weeks ago