Dubai: A new H1N1 flu test can now be done within 15 minutes instead of the usual four days, it was revealed on Thursday during the Arab Health Congress at the Dubai Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The new diagnostic tool is developed by a South Korean company and is in the process of acquiring approval from the World Health Organisation. The new drug is expected by the end of February.
"This medical test is fast and simple, and technicians will be able to handle it easily," said Rafiullah Khan, Business Development Manager, Global Medical Surgery Equipments and Materials Trading.
"The test also checks for seasonal influenza, which is very convenient if authorities are in doubt on what kind of flu [it is]," said Khan, who is also the local agent responsible in bringing the medical kits to the country.
Although the swine flu frenzy has noticeably declined around the world, health experts said that it was necessary to continue to take precautionary measures.
"There is a lot more awareness now in health care centres than there was last July," said Gopakumar Elayath, General Manager, Star Trivitron, adding that in the last outbreak in some places they did not adhere to testing protocol.
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