Mylab's Multidrug-Resistant TB Test Now Integral to National TB Elimination Programme

The PathoDetect kit, a manual-intervention-free test, claims to stand out for its rapid and accurate detection of multidrug-resistant TB. It specifically targets rifampicin (RIF) and isoniasid (INH), crucial first-line drugs in TB treatment.

In a crucial step toward eradicating tuberculosis (TB), the National TB Elimination Programme integrated Mylab's PathoDetect MTB RIF & INH resistance detection kit into its arsenal. 

Recognised as India's first multidrug-resistant TB test, it is now an integral part of the Ni-kshay portal, enhancing the nation's capabilities in the battle against tuberculosis.

The PathoDetect kit, a manual-intervention-free test, claims to stand out for its rapid and accurate detection of multidrug-resistant TB. It specifically targets rifampicin (RIF) and isoniasid (INH), crucial first-line drugs in TB treatment.

Commenting on the same, Hasmukh Rawal, MD & cofounder of Mylab Discovery Solutions, said, "We are honoured to contribute to our Prime Minister’s visionary initiative to eradicate TB. The availability of MTB on the Ni-kshay platform represents a milestone in India's fight against TB." 

Rawal emphasised the impact of this diagnostic solution on the efficiency and effectiveness of TB control measures, benefiting state authorities in reporting TB cases.

The company has focused on providing comprehensive solutions for TB screening, detection, and prevention. This includes the incorporation of our indigenous latent TB test, Cy-TB, into NTEP, as well as the integration of the MTB RIF and INH resistance detection kit, along with an AI-enabled portable X-ray device for TB screening.

In a related development, Serum-Mylab's Cy-TB Test, a precise diagnostic tool for latent TB infections, was incorporated into the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme in October. This move aims to enhance the diagnosis of latent TB infections, addressing a major healthcare concern in India.

The Cy-TB Test, developed by Serum-Mylab, combines the cost-effectiveness and simplicity of a skin test with the precision of the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), providing a new level of accuracy and accessibility to latent TB diagnosis.

India's notable progress in reducing TB incidence by 16% and mortality by 18% since 2015 has earned recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) in its Global TB Report 2023, as highlighted by the Union Health Ministry. 

The report underscores India's commendable achievements in enhancing case detection and mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the TB program.