The value of the rapid diagnostic test lies in its simplicity. It consists of a small white lancet, which requires just a small drop of blood. In 15 minutes or less, a positive or negative line will appear on the test, indicating Ebola positive or negative. "They work like pregnancy tests except its blood," says Garry.
“What our tests would permit one to do is to basically see if a person has Ebola on the spot,” Garry tells me. “They are not perhaps as sensitive as a PCR. That’s a very sophisticated test, but they don’t really have to be. What we’re most interested in doing is coming out with a test that could detect when someone is infectious, immediately.”