Today, WHO endorsed a new and novel rapid test for tuberculosis (TB), especially relevant in countries most affected by the disease. The test could revolutionize TB care and control by providing an accurate diagnosis for many patients in about 100 minutes, compared to current tests that can take up to three months to have results.
Some Key Facts:
- It is an automated test, free from any human error.
- It is a very sensitive test, even at low volume of TB in HIV patients, this test will be able to diagnose TB.
- Can be used as the Initial TB test
- Uses Nucleic Acid Amplification Test which is fully automated and based on DNA testing
- Diagnoses both TB and Rifampin Resistance (used in TB treatment and one of the drugs for which MDR or Multiple Drug Resistance is present)
- Takes less than 2 hours to detect.
- People can get immediate treatment.
- FIND, the company behind this TB test, has negotiated with many organizations to provide the tests for 75% discount.
- This will result in a 3 fold rise in Drug resistance TB cases in the near future
- As WHO puts it, the delay of the diagnosis as in previous diagnostic methods which can take even months, results in continuous spreading of the disease. The early diagnosis will be safer for all the professionals involved and of course for public, who will be early diagnosed and treated.
- The test is planned to be systematically implemented in 2011
- There are minimal dangers to perform such a test
- The new technology will not replace the need for microscopy, conventional culture and/or existing
molecular methods such as line probe assay.Conventional microscopy and culture are also still necessary to monitor treatment response once patients are taking anti-TB drug.
- Advantage of early detection of TB and preventing spread of TB between people.
MedA
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Source: WHO
