A new rapid molecular test kit has been developed for detection of both tuberculosis (TB) and multi-drug resistant TB.
A new rapid molecular test kit has
been developed for detection of both tuberculosis (TB) and multi-drug resistant
TB. This new Xpert MTB/RIF test kit, the
size of a microwave oven will give the results within 90-minutes.
The specificity of the test kit is
as high as 98.3% and sensitivity is 90.3%. The cost of the machine is $17,000 and
each test costs about $17.
This breakthrough discovery will help reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment,
and thus reduce the morbidity and mortality of the disease. This study has been
published in the medical journal The Lancet.
Source-Medindia