In addition to prion diseases, the method may provide a means for rapid, high-throughput testing for a wide spectrum of infections and disorders.

Third is the need to come back for a result visit, which is limited by the implementation of rapid testing.

So we moved very rapidly to get rapid testing in place and discover that MSM prefer that method.

The median time from blood draw to result available was faster for rapid testing (25 minutes) than conventional testing (23 hours).

In urging expanded use of rapid testing, the disease control centers said there were compelling reasons to know test results quickly.

"Available scientific data indicate that environmental monitoring for detection of Bacillus anthracis should be based on technologies for air sampling and rapid testing," he said.

Clinicians who suspect West Nile virus infection can obtain rapid testing at state laboratories through state or local health departments.

A number of state and local governments have adopted rapid testing, none more enthusiastically than New York City.

But rapid testing, like traditional blood tests, cannot detect the first phase of H.I.V. infection.

Currently, what these centers do offer is rapid testing.