Early Identification: From Eight Weeks to One Hour

According to the BBC, the Health Protection Agency has devised a test that cuts the identification time of tuberculosis from the usual eight weeks to one hour. While other "fast tests" exist, what makes this one unique is its ability to detect all strains of the disease. The early identification of this disease will allow for earlier treatment (tuberculosis can be treated with antibiotics when identified) and a lessened chance of the disease being spread, thus preventing a repeat of 2008, in which 1.3 million deaths were caused by TB.

Posted by: Zach Porlier