21-08-2015
Until today, there was no test to check for the presence of Ebola virus protein in the blood. A rapid strip test called ReEBOV is now available (it is manufactured by Corgenix Medical Corporation (Broomfield, USA)). It shows a sensitivity of 91.8 %.
The test requires a drop of blood from the finger, which is applied directly to the tip of the diagnostic strip. This migrates through the strip and separation of the individual blood components occurs. The presence of the VP40 viral protein is detected using antibodies combined with gold nanoparticles. A positive result is visible in the form of a red-pink band. It is obtained after approximately 15 minutes. The test is based on chromatographic separation and immunodetection of Ebola virus antigen.
