This test can be administered in field setting and does not require any lab infrastructure
The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) has included Serum-Mylab’s indigenously-developed latent TB test – Cy-TB – to further its effort to eliminate TB by 2025. This novel test can detect the presence of latent TB infection before it progresses to an active disease state. To achieve the TB elimination target by 2025, testing and treatment of LTBI is essential.
The Serum-Mylab Cy-TB Test combines the cost-effectiveness and simplicity of skin test with the accuracy of traditional high-cost lab-based test called interferon gamma release assay (IGRA). This test can be administered in field setting and does not require any lab infrastructure. The most important feature of this test is that it is unaffected by BCG vaccination status of an individual, addressing a significant concern among the Indian population where nearly everyone receives a BCG vaccination.
Dr Umesh Shaligram, Executive Director – R&D, Serum Institute of India, said, “We are honoured to contribute to our Prime Minister’s visionary initiative to eradicate TB. The availability of Cy-TB on the Ni-kshay platform represents a milestone in India’s fight against TB. Cy-TB provides a rapid and reliable tool for latent TB diagnosis, ensuring swift and accurate identification of affected individuals who can then receive the necessary care without delay.”
Hasmukh Rawal, MD & Co-founder, Mylab Discovery Solutions, added, ” The reservoir of latent TB infection (LTBI) poses a significant barrier to TB control and elimination. To achieve our TB elimination target, it is crucial to test and treat LTBI. The Cy-TB Test exemplifies our unwavering dedication to global TB eradication.”
By incorporating Cy-TB into the Ni-kshay platform, healthcare professionals, diagnostic centers, and laboratories can conveniently report Cy-TB tests, ensuring the prompt identification of Latent TB cases and the initiation of appropriate treatment.