SuperNova1987A
Moderator
Develop rapid-test kit for novel flu before winter: Japanese government
12:38 May 22, 2009
Source: http://www.asahi.com/special/09015/TKY200905220159.html
Japanese government announced today that a group to be formed by National Institute for Infectious Diseases, International Medical Center of Japan, Riken and Institute of Medical Science of Tokyo University, will try to develop and put in use a rapid-test kit for novel flu before this winter.
As the present rapid-test kit for seasonal flu can only determine type A or type B, a PCR test needs to be conducted to confirm novel flu.
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According to the interim report on Kobe?s cases released by IDSC, only 53.5% of the rapid tests or 23 cases were positive and remaining 46.5% or 20 cases were false negative. Rapid tests cannot be reliable unless and until a patient releases enough quantity of viruses.
If so, a rapid test for novel flu will be good only for the 53.5% of the confirmed cases. PCR tests will be necessary anyway for the remaining suspected patients (43.5% of later confirmed cases plus ultimately negative but suspected cases).
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SN1987A
12:38 May 22, 2009
Source: http://www.asahi.com/special/09015/TKY200905220159.html
Japanese government announced today that a group to be formed by National Institute for Infectious Diseases, International Medical Center of Japan, Riken and Institute of Medical Science of Tokyo University, will try to develop and put in use a rapid-test kit for novel flu before this winter.
As the present rapid-test kit for seasonal flu can only determine type A or type B, a PCR test needs to be conducted to confirm novel flu.
********************************
According to the interim report on Kobe?s cases released by IDSC, only 53.5% of the rapid tests or 23 cases were positive and remaining 46.5% or 20 cases were false negative. Rapid tests cannot be reliable unless and until a patient releases enough quantity of viruses.
If so, a rapid test for novel flu will be good only for the 53.5% of the confirmed cases. PCR tests will be necessary anyway for the remaining suspected patients (43.5% of later confirmed cases plus ultimately negative but suspected cases).
____________________________
SN1987A