Rapid flu testing developed for pandemic

MILWAUKEE, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say they have developed a rapid, automated system to differentiate strains of influenza.

Researchers from the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Children's Research Institute and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin say during a pandemic, such as the present H1N1 influenza outbreak, rapid automated tests allow for quick and effective public health decisions.

Dr. Kelly J. Henrickson of the Medical College of Wisconsin and colleagues developed rapid semi- and fully automated multiplex real-time RT-PCR assays to detect influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. An assay is a procedure in molecular biology used in testing and/or measuring activity.

These assays can successfully detect human H1N1, H3N2 and swine-origin H1N1 viruses, as well as distinguish these from influenza B and RSV infections. These assays could test large numbers of samples over a very short time, allowing for a significant decrease in both technician and assay time, said Henrickson, the study leader.

"This outbreak demonstrates the importance of having rapid, reliable, sensitive and specific assays that allow clinicians and public health officials to react quickly and effectively during viral outbreaks," the researchers said in a statement.

The findings are to be published in the January issue of the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics.