Frank Cockerill is a prominent microbiologist who is credited with successfully spearheading a research effort to develop a new rapid anthrax test. That work began in the wake of anthrax attacks in the United States that began only weeks after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
He led a research team at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, which developed the test. That test was made available to hospitals and public health agencies through a diagnostics company. "The time involved in transporting samples to Mayo Clinic also would undermine the main goal of the test, which is rapid identification," he said. He added that the rapid identification test enabled doctors to begin more timely treatment of patients who have been exposed to anthrax, adding that "it will more quickly alleviate undue anxiety for people who haven't been exposed."
With the new test, health authorities can identify anthrax in someone in less than one hour. Previous tests took days to bring results. "Rapid identification will enable doctors to begin more timely treatment of patients who have been exposed to anthrax, and it will more quickly alleviate undue anxiety for people who haven't been exposed," Frank Cockerill said.
Frank Cockerill advised people who thought they had been exposed to anthrax to contact law enforcement officials, to let them assess the situation and take appropriate steps. "These officials will investigate possible exposures and, with local laboratories, will determine whether this rapid testing is warranted. Those who are experiencing unusual, flu-like symptoms should contact their physician."
For his work on the rapid anthrax test, Frank Cockerill was recognized with the Mayo Excellence Through Teamwork Award.
He led a research team at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, which developed the test. That test was made available to hospitals and public health agencies through a diagnostics company. "The time involved in transporting samples to Mayo Clinic also would undermine the main goal of the test, which is rapid identification," he said. He added that the rapid identification test enabled doctors to begin more timely treatment of patients who have been exposed to anthrax, adding that "it will more quickly alleviate undue anxiety for people who haven't been exposed."
With the new test, health authorities can identify anthrax in someone in less than one hour. Previous tests took days to bring results. "Rapid identification will enable doctors to begin more timely treatment of patients who have been exposed to anthrax, and it will more quickly alleviate undue anxiety for people who haven't been exposed," Frank Cockerill said.
Frank Cockerill advised people who thought they had been exposed to anthrax to contact law enforcement officials, to let them assess the situation and take appropriate steps. "These officials will investigate possible exposures and, with local laboratories, will determine whether this rapid testing is warranted. Those who are experiencing unusual, flu-like symptoms should contact their physician."
For his work on the rapid anthrax test, Frank Cockerill was recognized with the Mayo Excellence Through Teamwork Award.