New rapid test can identify bird flu in 15 mins

The diagnostic test maker Inverness Medical Technology Inc. says its Binax Inc. unit has been granted U.S. regulatory approval to add a bird flu claim to a rapid flu test.

According to the company the one-step, rapid influenza test is able to clearly differentiate between influenza A and influenza B in as little as 15 minutes.

It is now entitled to add the avian influenza H5N1 virus to the list of flu strains it can identify.