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WHO approves fast test for Ebola
blood test
Trials of the test have correctly identified around 92 per cent of patients who have been infected with the virus.
Test provides results in 15 minutes

A blood test for Ebola which can provide results within 15 minutes has been approved for use by the World Health Organisation.

According to the BBC, the test will allow patients to be identified, isolated and cared for as quickly as possible in an attempt to tackle the outbreak, which has now killed over 9,000 people.

Ebola is currently being tested in laboratories largely through the detection of the virus's nucleic acid, using commercial or in-house tests.

Nucleic acid tests (NATs) are more accurate but are complex to use and require well-established laboratories and fully trained personnel. The turn-around time for a NAT test is also quite slow, varying between 12 and 24 hours.

WHO say that the ReEBOV Antigen Rapid Test, developed by US company Corgenix,  is based on detection of the Ebola protein rather that nucleic acid.

Trials of the test have correctly identified around 92 per cent of patients who have been infected with the virus.

The World Health Organisation said: "While less accurate, the antigen test is rapid, easy to perform and does not require electricity – it can therefore be used at lower health care facilities or in mobile units for patients in remote settings"

It added that where possible, results from ReEBOV antigen Rapid Test Kit should be confirmed by testing a new blood sample using an approved Ebola NAT.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.