Technicians from Pathology Queensland have announced the development of a test for the new strain of bird flue; H7N9.

State Health Minister, Lawrence Springborg, said that the technicians had modified a pre-existing test to create an effective new screening method.

“We believe there is no similar screening test incorporating the H7N9 strain in Australia – this is an Australian first,” Mr Springborg said.

The development of the test was done in conjunction with Pathology Queensland’s Microbiology Department and the Queensland Paediatric Infectious Disease Laboratory; both located at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH).

Professor Graeme Nimmo, Director of Microbiology Pathology Queensland, said the test was essential in helping Australia keep the virus at bay.

“The test has been developed as an essential part of the preparedness for a potential bird flu pandemic,” Professor Nimmo said.

“It allows cases to be detected very rapidly, enabling treatment to commence in as short a possible time, limiting the spread of the disease and the impact on the community.”

The modified influenza test involves a nasopharyngeal swab or nasopharyngeal aspirates collected from patients suspected of having influenza.

The swabs are sent to Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory at the RBWH campus where H7N9 strain can be immediately recognised at a genetic level.