The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has officially acknowledged the indigenous kit designed for the affordable and efficient detection of tuberculosis (TB) within the country. The Quantiplus MTB Fast Detection Kit, developed by Huel Lifestyle, a company based in Telangana, boasts the ability to process tests for 96 samples in a remarkably short period. This innovative kit is touted to lower investigation costs by approximately 20%, marking a significant advancement in the field of TB diagnostics.
Digital Desk, New Delhi. The indigenous kit aimed at providing a cost-effective and efficient means of diagnosing tuberculosis has received endorsement from the ICMR, India’s premier health research organization. The Quantiplus MTB Fast Detection Kit, crafted by Huel Lifestyle in Telangana, is designed to swiftly test up to 96 samples, positioning itself as a key player in the fight against TB.
This groundbreaking kit is expected to cut down the costs associated with TB investigations by about 20%. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial for the successful treatment of tuberculosis, an infectious disease that poses a risk not only to the affected individual but also to those in close proximity. Timely detection becomes paramount in preventing community transmission of the illness.
Increased Testing Capacity
Given the urgency of TB diagnosis, the financial burden of investigations can escalate significantly. The ICMR’s endorsement of the Quantiplus MTB Fast Detection Kit, developed by Huel Lifestyle, underscores the kit’s status as the first open-system RT-PCR test validated for lung TB detection. This advancement is expected to facilitate a more efficient testing process across the nation.
One of the kit’s notable features is its compatibility with any PCR machine, eliminating the need for a dedicated platform. This flexibility allows laboratories throughout India to conduct TB testing rapidly using standard PCR machines. Moreover, the Quantiplus kit’s design makes it suitable for installation in government hospitals and diagnostic centers, significantly enhancing testing capacity and accessibility.
In addition to improving testing capabilities, government diagnostic centers can expect substantial savings by avoiding the acquisition of expensive machinery. Dr. Nivedita Gupta, the head of the Communicable Disease Division at ICMR, highlighted that this new test kit represents an upgrade from existing technologies, including traditional trunnets and pathodctors, facilitating the decentralization of Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT).
This advancement in TB testing can expedite the diagnostic process and ensure effective treatment for both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB patients. The new kit is anticipated to play a significant role in managing and controlling TB outbreaks in various communities.
Recognition of TB Testing Card
In addition to the Quantiplus kit, the ICMR has also recognized another innovative product, the UNAMP MTB Nucleic Acid Test card, developed by Huel Lifestyle. This card allows for the examination of saliva samples instead of traditional sputum samples, making TB testing easier for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children. The conventional process of collecting sputum for TB testing is often cumbersome and challenging for these groups.
The introduction of these innovative diagnostic tools represents a significant step forward in the battle against tuberculosis in India. By making TB testing more accessible and affordable, there is hope for improved detection rates, timely treatment, and ultimately, a reduction in the disease’s prevalence across the nation.
