Detect swine flu in hours

A leading Melbourne scientist has unveiled a test able to detect swine flu, or any other virus, within hours.

The test, known as the RETCIF test, is a simple test carried out on a patient sample (such as a nasal swab). Any viruses present in the sample are grown rapidly in a patented culture before being examined under a fluorescent microscope.

The test, developed by virologist Dr Robert Alexander, has been used extensively at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

It has been used to diagnose viruses in patients but, to date, has never been widely available to the general community or on a commercial basis.

The company behind the test is Pallane Medical Pty Ltd.

Pallane CEO Peter King said that the RETCIF test had the potential to revolutionise viral testing around the world, and not just in relation to swine flu.

“Within one to three hours we can actually tell if someone has a virus — and to tell you what type of virus or multiple viruses a patient has takes approximately 24 hours,” he said.

The Chief Scientific Officer of Pallane says the RETCIF test is “almost 100% accurate” and is currently the most effective way of testing for live viruses, including the swine flu virus.

The RETCIF test may be used at airports in the event of any viral pandemic (including a swine flu pandemic) so at-risk travellers, who are yet to show symptoms, could be tested and released quickly rather than quarantined for days.

If the test shows a person has contracted a virus or viruses, but is yet to show symptoms, anti-viral medication could be immediately prescribed to mitigate the possibility of serious illness.

The RETCIF test is expected to be commercially available internationally within 24 months.