Researchers have developed a groundbreaking test for meningitis and septicaemia that can tell if a child has the deadly diseases within an hour. The speed factor is vital because the first symptoms of meningitis are similar to a viral infection and therefore difficult to diagnose at an early stage.
However, youngsters with the bacterial infection can rapidly deteriorate and die within hours.
The test detects whether a child has meningitis, which is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord or septicaemia, which is the blood poisoning form of the disease.
The small piece of equipment resembles a portable home printer. A sample of blood or saliva produces a colour reading that determines if the child is infected.
[Source]
Chapter: Baby,Health :: 27 August 2010
