How long does it take to get Ebola test results?
Healthcare providers use lab tests to help diagnose Ebola. It may take up to three days for the Ebola virus to reach levels that lab tests can detect.
Is there a rapid test for Ebola?
The OraQuick Ebola Rapid Antigen Test is the first rapid diagnostic test the FDA has allowed to be marketed in the U.S. for the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The test provides a rapid, presumptive diagnosis that must be confirmed.
How is Ebola diagnosed by tests?
How is EVD confirmed with laboratory testing? The current standard to confirm Ebola infection is RT-PCR for detection of Ebola viral RNA. The preferred specimen is blood in a purple- top tube, although a red-top tube can also be used.
Is Ebola the next pandemic?
Ebola has so far only affected African countries, and occasional cases outside of the continent have been rapidly contained. But the virus could mutate to spread more easily between people, making it more of a pandemic threat.
How long does it take to test for Ebola?
Blood samples from the patient should be collected and tested to confirm infection. Ebola virus can be detected in blood after onset of symptoms, most notably fever. It may take up to three days after symptoms start for the virus to reach detectable levels.
How is Ebola virus disease (EVD) diagnosed?
Diagnosing Ebola virus disease (EVD) shortly after infection can be difficult. Early symptoms of EVD such as fever, headache, and weakness are not specific to Ebola virus infection and often are seen in patients with other more common diseases, like malaria and typhoid fever.
How many species of Ebolavirus are detected in the test?
The test has shown to be capable of detecting antigens for three species of Ebolavirus: Zaire ebolavirus, Bundibugyo ebolavirus, and Sudan ebolavirus (2).; however, the test cannot differentiate between species.
Is there a treatment for Ebola virus disease in the Congo?
We conducted a trial of four investigational therapies for EVD in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where an outbreak began in August 2018. Patients of any age who had a positive result for Ebola virus RNA on reverse-transcriptase–polymerase-chain-reaction assay were enrolled.