A British Columbia company has created the first rapid test for HIV available in Canada.
Health Canada has approved the test for use in a doctor's office, clinic or hospital. The kit tests a drop of blood and gives results within 60 seconds.
The test was developed by Richmond-based bioLytical Labs.
Rick Galli, director of research and development for the company, says the rapid test is a big improvement over the current system, which requires two visits to the doctor and a long wait.
"There's a lot of anxiety that the patient would be feeling, waiting for results to come back," Galli said.
In company trials, the test was found to be 99.6 per cent accurate.
The test is only intended for screening purposes. If it shows a positive result, the company says the finding would still be confirmed by traditional laboratory methods.
Galli says the kit is not meant for home use. Its $7-to-$10 price is not covered by provincial health plans.
http://www.cbc.ca/bc/story/bc_aids-test20051108.html
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