New Laboratory Method Detects Anthrax Quickly

U.S. scientists cut detection time from several days to one hour

U.S. scientists have developed a new laboratory method for quickly detecting active anthrax proteins in an infected blood sample at extremely low levels, according to an August 29 press release from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The method was developed by researchers at NIST, the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and the National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute.

Current detection methods rely on injecting live animals or cell cultures with samples for analysis and require up to several days before results are available. The new method produces results in about an hour.

The method works by detecting changes in electrochemical current flow when anthrax proteins are present in a solution.

The researchers hope the system will ultimately be useful in developing fast, reliable ways to diagnose anthrax infections or to quickly screen large numbers of drugs as possible therapies for blocking the bacteria's toxic effects.