15 minute Ebola rapid test kit approved

The World Health Organization has approved the  first rapid blood test.

It will allow patients to be identified, isolated and cared for as quickly as possible in an attempt to bring an end to the outbreak that has killed more than 9,300 people.

It is less accurate than conventional tests, but takes minutes rather than hours to get a result.

The test also works without electricity so it can be used in remote regions.

Current Ebola testing requires a laboratory to analyse the blood for fragments of the virus's genetic material.

It can take between 12 and 24 hours to get a definitive answer.
The ReEBOV Antigen Rapid Test, developed by US company Corgenix, searches the blood for a different part of the virus.

Trials in West Africa suggest it correctly identifies about 92% of people who have Ebola.