New tuberculosis diagnostic tool introduced

Scientists have developed a new tool, endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), to diagnose tuberculosis (TB). Up to 30 percent of the world’s population is infected with TB. Unlike current methods, which include a skin test that takes 72 hours to produce results, the new test is fully automated and can give results in an hour and a half. It can also determine if a patient is infected with a multidrug-resistant strain of the bacteria. The new diagnostic tool is currently being rolled out by WHO across tuberculosis-affected countries, and a new video-article has been published to help with standardizing its use. "This test is expected to dramatically improve the diagnosis of TB," Dr. Charlotte Frank Sage, JoVE Science Editor, said. "Publication of the protocol in JoVE allows researchers around the world to see a detailed demonstration of this diagnostic tool and will aid in establishing this technology in their laboratories and clinics."