Dr. Brett Etchebarne's laboratory developing new rapid identification methods for microbial pathogens in patients. The resulting tests are easy to perform and are adaptable for use in developing countries or for preliminary screening tests for infection. These screens are faster than hospital methods. The aim is to have a point-of-care test that can be completed in about an hour and provide equal detection without in vitro pre-culture, and to make that test as portable and inexpensive as possible. This will enable researchers and practitioners alike to quickly evaluate samples both here and abroad in far-flung places where accurate data collection and timely treatment might not otherwise be available.