Tuberculosis Testing Kit: TB test can be done for just Rs 35, disease will be detected in two and a half hours

Now TB tests can be done easily at very affordable prices. An affordable TB testing technique has been developed by the regional center of top medical research body ICMR in Dibrugarh, Assam, which can detect the disease using the patient's sputum for just Rs 35.

The disease will be detected in two and a half hours

The name of this technique is "A CRISPR Case Based TB Detection System". It is a lightweight, portable system that will have three stages of testing. ICMR sources said that more than 1500 samples can be tested at a time, which will take two and a half hours.

TB test takes 42 days

Currently, it takes 42 days to confirm TB negative through traditional diagnostic techniques for TB. It uses microscopy and nucleic acid-based methods which are time-consuming and require high-tech equipment.

Current technology is expensive and time-consuming

According to a health official, Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, which requires the development of accurate and rapid diagnostic tools for effective disease management. Current diagnostic methods are sensitive, specific, time-consuming and expensive.

Keeping these problems in mind, the molecular diagnostic system 'GlowTBPCRKit' based on CRISPR-Cas 12a and 'RapidGlow Device' together provide promising solutions.

Companies invited for commercialization of testing kit

ICMR has now invited companies, and manufacturers to commercialize "A CRISPR Case Based TB Detection System" for the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The institute will provide expert guidance and technical support for the production of "A CRISPR Case Based TB Detection System" at all stages.

Along with this, based on mutual understanding between ICMR and the partner company, the institute will provide technical support through its team of experienced scientists.

(PC: Freepik)