15-minute Ebola testing kit given green light by World Health Organization

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.

This test is easy to use and perform, it does not require electricity, and can give results within 15 minutes.

WHO spokesman Tarik Jasaravic

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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