Rapid tests such as ELISAs for BSE can be used, but must be confirmed by immunoblot or immunohistochemistry.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not needed
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (A)

Rapid screening tests are useful for broad, fast surveillance, but they aren’t definitive for BSE. A positive result from a test like ELISA needs to be confirmed with a more specific method to avoid false positives and to meet diagnostic standards. Immunoblot (Western blot) and immunohistochemistry provide this higher level of specificity: Western blot detects the characteristic PrPSc protein bands after protease treatment, while immunohistochemistry shows the exact distribution of PrPSc in brain tissue. Together, they confirm the presence of BSE and are the accepted confirmatory tests in diagnostic and regulatory workflows, often using brainstem tissue such as the obex. So, rapid tests can screen, but confirmation with immunoblot or immunohistochemistry is required.