First Swine Flu DNA Test: Unveiled and Delivered

First Swine Flu DNA Test: Unveiled and Delivered

team of genetics experts in Southampton have produced swine flu real-time PCR kit, the world’s first DNA test for influenza A(H1N1). The first shipment of rapid-results tests has been sent to Mexico and various territories to aid the authorities in monitoring the number of suspected cases.

The test kit was developed by PrimerDesign Ltd, a UK-based firm founded by University of Southampton. This company already manufactures genetic detection kits for other viruses. When the Center for Disease Control published the genetic data of the deadly swine flu virus early this month, PrimerDesign’s swine flu DNA project team announced that the development the ultimate diagnosis tool was imminent.

The real-time PCR kit works by rapidly multiplying a sample of DNA taken from a suspected swine flu patient. This test quickly differentiates common strains of the flu virus from H1N1. While the current tests for swine flu are accurate, medical professionals would have to wait for 2 days for the result. The new Swine Flu test kit, on the other hand, detects the presence of the virus within 2 hours. At the rate the swine flu virus is spreading, early detection is unquestionably significant. According to Dr. Jim Wicks of PremierDesign, the new DNA test will contribute to the worldwide effort against Swine flu.

The swine flu real-time test kit is sold primarily for research purposes but could also be used to diagnose the disease in laboratories globally. At present, 29 countries have officially reported 4379 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. Updates and other information about swine flu can be found on the World Health Organization’s website.

References:
University of Southampton (2009, May 2). Scientists Race To Deliver DNA Swine Flu Test
University of Southampton (2009, May 10). First Swine Flu DNA Test Produced.

Brain Cyst - Can they be diagnosed with CT scan?

Brain Cyst - Can they be diagnosed with CT scan?

Dear Dr. Joshua,

I am trying to find out if a brain cyst can be diagnosed and said to be benign if only a cat scan was done. I was told today that I have one and I am very concerned because no treatment or follow up or futher testing was discussed. I can find out how to post a question can you please help me. I am a 53 year old female who has had a horrible painful migraine since last wed January 2nd and it has been accompanied by vomiting. It is the worst migraine I have ever had. I spent friday and saturday in the er and that is where the cat scan was done. I need to know if it is possible to diagnose without seeing me or futher testing. And if it is benign cyst does anything need to be done and is this the cause of this massive migraine.

Dr. Joshua’s Answer:

Certain types of cysts can be reliably diagnosed with CT (Cat scan) alone, for instance, typical arachnoid cysts, which commonly occur in the temporal region. Often they require no treatment or follow up at all, and are usually congenital, in other words, something you’re born with. Sometimes arachnoid cysts build up pressure and cause symptoms, but more often than not they are an incidental finding.

Typically they are found when doing a CT due to headaches, but they rarely explain the headaches.

There are a variety of possible “cysts” that can be seen on CT, and if the finding is unclear, an MRI is usually done. Only your doctor can tell you what exactly it is they saw, and why they chose not to do any further investigations. Please call your doctor and ask him/her to explain the finding and its significance to you.

Good luck-

Dr. Joshua