INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
detection of tuberculosis (TB).Soon, though, molecular or genetic tests, which can detect TB in less than two hours, will replace sputum
microscopy as the initial test
accuracy.The change is already taking place across the world, including India where the small state of Goa recently became the first to go
completely molecular with TB detection
(The microscopy test still has a role to play in subsequent treatment).Maharashtra laggingIn Maharashtra, the change is still far away
test called GeneXpert, as the first step to detect TB almost a decade back, a shortage of cartridges needed for the machines brought
Truenat is a made-in-India innovation, with over 6,000 machines deployed across the country in the past three years.Maharashtra has 147
GeneXpert machines and 392 of Truenat
However, an estimate submitted by the state TB department to the union health ministry over a year ago said it needed at least 450 TrueNat
placed an order for 3.5 lakh Truenat test kits as the usual round of supplies from the Central TB Division are still awaited.Roughly a year
IOC is the first PSU that invested CSR funds towards India's fight against TB
Sriram of Molbio, makers of Truenat.The affordable option?While WHO has asked for molecular tests to replace microscopy as the initial test,
there is the all-important question as far as India is concerned: Which machine to use? GeneXpert is imported and its cartridges are
only drug- sensitive TB but also the drug-resistant variant in one go
GeneXpert machine has to be fixed and needs to be in a cold environment.With most of the 1,000-odd GeneXpert machines in India around 7-10
years old and in need for an upgrade, the national TB programme has to take a call soon in this regard.
