A new quick diagnostic test for the N1H1 flu virus, which provides a result in just eight hours and is designed to detect the virus' possible future mutations, is now available.

The kit, developed by Genomica, is capable of simultaneously detecting the N1H1 virus, seasonal flu, or a combination of the two, allowing the medical staff to administer the most appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.

During the press conference to accompany the launch of the test Genomica's director general, Dr Rosario Cospedal, pointed out that having a clear, complete and specific diagnostic test for the N1H1 virus was important in 'curbing public panic' and in avoiding 'unnecessary quarantine' periods or inappropriate treatment.

Dr Cospedal told the press that the test was available now and that the company hoped it would be bought by hospitals, although she was not prepared to name the ones who had already shown an interest.

Genomica began to develop the diagnostic test five months ago, when the first case of the so-called 'swine flu' appeared in Mexico, with the aim of having it ready for the Autumn-Winter 2009-2010 anti-flu campaign.

Over the past five months the test has been used to analyse 446 samples in laboratories in Denmark (the WHO's official flu centre), Portugal, France and Mexico, as well as in several Spanish hospital labs, including La Fe (Valencia) and La Paz (Madrid).

The system is capable of processing up to 96 different samples at the same time in eight hours and the cost per test comes out at between 25 and 30 euros.

A nasal swab is taken from the patient, as in the case of current diagnostic tests for other respiratory diseases, and then genetic material is extracted and analysed.

Furthermore, the test provides an automatic interpretation of the results, eliminating the need for subjective evaluation by medical professionals.