New 15-Minute Ebola Test is Highly Accurate

In a potential breakthrough in the ongoing epidemic that has taken the lives of approximately 10,000 West Africans, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently approved the first rapid test for Ebola.

While the standard nucleic acid tests (NATs) laboratory test takes 12 to 24 hours, the new test developed by Corgenix Medical Corp delivers results within 15 minutes, is easy to perform, and does not need electricity.
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The ReEBOV Antigen Rapid Test is easy to use, requiring only the placement of a drop of blood on a tiny strip of paper and observation of a reaction in a test tube 15 minutes later. According to WHO researchers, the test could properly identify 92% of patients infected with Ebola and 85% of people not infected with the virus.

“[The test] can therefore be used at lower health care facilities or in mobile units for patients in remote settings. Where possible, results from ReEBOV antigen Rapid Test Kit should be confirmed by testing a new blood sample using an approved Ebola NAT.”

Moving forward, the WHO will continue assessing 4 or 5 other rapid test possibilities, however, researchers remain uncertain when another approval may come.

-Michelle Canales Butcher

Reference:

World Health Organization. first antigen rapid test for ebola through emergency assessment and eligible for procurement [press release]. http://www.who.int/medicines/ebola-treatment/1st_antigen_RT_Ebola/en/