Serum-Mylab's Cy-TB Test Integrated into National Tuberculosis Elimination Program

Serum-Mylab's Cy-TB Test, a rapid and precise diagnostic tool, has been incorporated into the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). 

This development aims to enhance the diagnosis of latent TB infections, addressing a major healthcare concern in India.

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

One of its key advantages is its ability to be administered in field settings, eliminating the need for elaborate laboratory infrastructure. Importantly, it is not affected by an individual's BCG vaccination status, a common occurrence in India.

Dr Umesh Shaligram, executive director - R&D, Serum Institute of India, stated, "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 receive the necessary care without delay.'

Commenting on the same, Hasmukh Rawal, MD & cofounder, Mylab Discovery Solutions, said, 'œThe reservoir of latent TB infection (LTBI) poses a significant barrier to TB control and elimination. To achieve our TB elimination target, testing and treating LTBI is crucial. The Cy-TB Test exemplifies our unwavering dedication to global TB eradication."

Healthcare professionals, diagnostic centers, and laboratories can now conveniently submit Cy-TB test results through the Ni-kshay platform. This ensures timely detection of latent TB cases and the initiation of appropriate treatment.

India carries a substantial burden of TB cases, making TB eradication a top priority. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one-fourth of the global population is believed to be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with 5-10% of these infections progressing to active TB disease. 

India alone accounts for 27% of the worldwide TB burden, with millions of people affected annually. Alarmingly, latent tuberculosis affects 30 to 40% of the population, potentially leading to increased TB incidence and mortality rates. 

This integration of the Cy-TB Test into the NTEP marks a significant step forward in the battle against TB in India.