Faster genetic test for flu virus approved

ATLANTA - The government approved a new genetic test for the flu virus Tuesday that will allow labs across the country to identify flu strains within four hours instead of four days.

The new test was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Applied Biosystems Inc. of Foster City, Calif. The Food and Drug Administration approved the test kit Tuesday, and state health labs are expected to start using it this fall.

CDC officials celebrated it as a potential lifesaver, especially if the nation is hit by a pandemic of bird flu or some other mutant influenza.



Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081001/ap_on_he_me/med_fast_flu_test;_ylt=AqFU1uHy9xvIJ4xy.Ys.oZi9j7AB