Microbiologists in Hong Kong have developed a simple and rapid non-invasive diagnostic test that can identify the newly discovered coronavirus associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The test, described in a technical brief online in the journal Clinical Chemistry, is a real-time quantitative assay that can produce results in as little as three to four hours. It can detect the presence of the coronavirus in nasal swabs or throat cultures before an antibody response is detectable. Prior to the development of this new rapid test, diagnostic tests for SARS could detect the coronavirus antibodies that are produced after infection, which in some cases is within 14 days of illness onset, or as long as 21 days after onset of fever. By contrast, the new test is often positive early in the disease, and the procedure can be completed within a few hours. 

A rapid method of prompt identification of  SARS will help contain the spread of the disease and facilitate prompt treatment  and improved outcomes.  The scientists in Hong Kong aim to adapt this new test to a high-throughput format as testing of suspected cases is expected to increase rather than decrease with the rapid global spread of this disease.

As of April 19, 2003, a total of 3547 SARS cases with 182 deaths have been reported from 25 countries, including 220 cases in the United States. Asia remains the worst affected area on the globe.