New Microwave Sized Test Kit Detects TB in 90-minutes

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