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FDA approves a preliminary test for bird flu in humans

Infection Control Monitor, February 10, 2006

A test developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that can give a preliminary diagnosis of bird flu in humans has received approval from the government, the Associated Press reports. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its approval of the test last week.

This laboratory test can provide results on H5 influenza samples within four hours, expediting a process that used to take two to three days. If the test turns out to be positive for the H5 strain, further testing would still be necessary to confirm and identify the specific strain of virus.

The FDA will distribute the new test to 140 U.S. laboratories nationwide. The CDC plans to share the technology with health officials around the world, including the World Health Organization.

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