The breakthrough was achieved by the Beijing Genomics Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), which cooperated with the Microbe Epidemic Institute of the Military Medicine Academy of Sciences.

On April 16, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially identified the coronavirus as the cause of SARS. On this basis, scientists from both organizations also joined hands and efforts with Xie He Hospital and other clinics, successfully developing a specific enzyme link immunoabsorbent assay for rapidly testing SARS.

Kang Le, director of the biological bureau of the CAS, said this specific assay would be mainly developed and produced at the Beijing Genomics Institute.

Dr. Dong Wei, with the institute's genotyping group, said the test has been put into use at all Beijing's designated hospitals for SARS, and in one week, it could meet all of the country's requirements.

Yang Huanming, director of the Beijing Genomics Institute, said the assay is accurate, sensitive, rapid, and convenient as well as economical. One assay plate can test a total of 96 samples at the same time.

Most importantly, Yang said, the results can be known after one hour.

Scientists said once people get infected with SARS, their body would produce specific antibody-countering virus proteins. The way the test works is these virus proteins combine with specific antibodies and, through the enzyme link reaction, the assay changes color, showing the virus is present.

Experts pointed out that the test will provide an accurate, reliable and rapid as well as economical diagnosis means for controlling the disease's spread. It will also play an important role in the prevention and diagnosis of SARS.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2003)