Avian influenza detection chip

(Photo: Reuters) Experts at the University of Colorado and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have successfully tested a " gene chip " based on a single flu virus gene, allowing doctors to quickly identify influenza viruses, including H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Experts say the MChip (the name of the gene chip) can accurately identify 21/24 strains of different flu viruses found in humans, poultry, and cats and have never given a " false " positive result . . Genes used to make MChip are less variation than other flu genes. The gene chip usually consists of a glass plate or silicon, surrounded by sequences of " dots " of genetic material, which react when exposed to the samples.

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