Australian organisations have joined a global clamour for access to new tests for bird flu that can detect the virus in just 10 minutes.
But experts have urged caution, saying their accuracy should be thoroughly assessed before being considered for use here.
The tests, launched this month by Singapore biotechnology firm Rockeby, which has laboratories in Perth, could be used for screening in airports, schools and hospitals should a pandemic break out.
The tests are a screening method for humans that involve a nose or throat swab, and an on-site test for poultry.
Both return a result within 10 minutes, which, in the event of a pandemic, could reduce the need for large-scale quarantining of suspected carriers. Present tests must be conducted in laboratories and can take anywhere from four hours to two days.
A spokeswoman for Health Minister Tony Abbott said the Federal Government had not investigated the specific tests, but was interested in the technology.
But she said the tests would need approval from the World Health Organisation before being considered for use here.
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