In an effort to combat a possible pandemic of Asian bird flu, researchers have developed a new test that can detect the virus in humans within hours. Previoius testing took up to a week to develop.

Diagnosing this disease early is critical in that it is highly contagious and will spread rapdily. With test results available in an hour or two, infected people can be treated immediately. According to Guan Yi, a researcher from Hong Kong, with older testing taking a week, a patient could be dead before the test results were determined.

These new tests will be less expensive than the old ones, thus enabling more clinics to use them. The kits will also be easier to use and can be taken to the scene of an outbreak and developed on-site.

While the older test examined the virus directly by isolating it, the new test detects antigens and antibodies to the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain.

So far, bird flu has killed 32 people in Thailand and Vietnam. Millions of chickens have also died. In a meeting held last month, the World Health Organization warned this disease could kill millions.