New generation of rapid BSE tests
While Western blot-based BSE tests have been shown to be the most reliable and accurate rapid BSE tests by delivering a fingerprint of the prion protein (giving neither false positive results nor initial reactive results), ELISA tests are widely used because they can be automated for high throughput screening. However, future BSE testing requirements might be met with a new generation of rapid BSE tests based on an immunochromatographic principle. The strips are simply dipped in the homogenized and digested brain and the prion proteins present in the sample run up the strips by lateral flow, until they are captured by an antibody. While two such tests have passed the EC laboratory evaluation in 2004, only one of them - the Prionics®-Check PrioSTRIP - has successfully completed the field trial. This rapid test combines high testing speed (100 minutes from brain to result) with simple handling and at the same time delivers results with 100% sensitivity and specificity.
While Western blot-based BSE tests have been shown to be the most reliable and accurate rapid BSE tests by delivering a fingerprint of the prion protein (giving neither false positive results nor initial reactive results), ELISA tests are widely used because they can be automated for high throughput screening. However, future BSE testing requirements might be met with a new generation of rapid BSE tests based on an immunochromatographic principle. The strips are simply dipped in the homogenized and digested brain and the prion proteins present in the sample run up the strips by lateral flow, until they are captured by an antibody. While two such tests have passed the EC laboratory evaluation in 2004, only one of them - the Prionics®-Check PrioSTRIP - has successfully completed the field trial. This rapid test combines high testing speed (100 minutes from brain to result) with simple handling and at the same time delivers results with 100% sensitivity and specificity.