Anthrax detector can spot H1N1 virus

A device developed during post-9/11 anthrax scares can quickly and simply detect the H1N1 swine flu virus, according to University of New Mexico and Sandia National Laboratories scientists.

In recent years, UNM scientists have modified the device to instantaneously test for other viruses such as HIV and hepatitis A and B.

"About 6 or 8 months ago with the detection of the H1N1 flu, we decided we'd adapt the device for the detection of this flu," said Dr. Richard Larson of UNM.

With instant detection, Larson said hospitals would be able to quickly and efficiently isolate and treat sick patients.

Technicians would take a throat or nasal swab sample from a patient and place it onto a metallic chip, then load the chip into the device. The device instantly analyzes the sample and the result pops up on a computer.

"By all of our tests so far, we've been able to very specifically and sensitively detect H1N1," Larson said.

A medical equipment maker is designing a shell for the device components. The device is already under review by the FDA, which could approve the device within a few months.

The new device could then be available for hospitals next year.

"The current testing method for viruses now take many hours to a day or more, so this would dramatically change the way we practice medicine," Larson said.