A locally made rapid-test kit for Sars could be ready this month if a pilot project proves successful.
About 1,000 people will be tested using the new kit, which was developed using samples from 20 Sars patients provided by the University of Hong Kong's department of microbiology, said Richard Collins, a biochemist with the private HK DNA Chips.
'Rapid early detection will allow people to seek treatment a lot earlier,' he said. 'We need one big evaluation to make it available to the public.'
Using $300,000 in funding from the New Century Forum, nasal swabs will be taken at clinics and hospitals and sent to HK DNA Chips for testing.
The firm uses an advanced, 'real-time' molecular test to detect the genetic material of the coronavirus that causes Sars.
Dr Collins said test results could be ready within 48 hours of swab-taking.