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Problem being addressed

In low resource settings, tuberculosis is typically diagnosed with sputum microscopy. To diagnose tuberculosis with this method, sputum (mucus) samples need to be cultured, which can take up to 8 weeks. During that time period, if a patient has tuberculosis, they can spread it to other individuals.

Detailed description of the solution

The TB Rapid Test (TBRT) is a saliva based TB screening device. The device does not require the saliva sample to be sent to a laboratory to undergo further tests which means that it can be successfully utilized in rural areas and community health posts. Additionally, it provides quick feedback, allowing for diagnosis and referral/treatment during the patient’s first visit.

Designed by

  • Designed by:Carol Holm-Hansen – Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
  • Manufacturer (if different):
  • Manufacturer location:

When and where it was tested/implemented

Funding Source

Recipient of Grand Challenges Explorations grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Research Council of Norway (May 2010) [1]

References

Peer-reviewed publication

Yimer S, Holm-Hansen C, Yimaldu T, Bjune G. Health care seeking among pulmonary tuberculosis suspects and patients in rural Ethiopia: a community-based study. BMC Public Health. 2009; 9:454. Retrieved July 8, 2014 from [2].

Other internally generated reports

Holm-Hansen C. (2011). Development of a rapid serological screening test for TB (TBRT project). Retrieved July 9, 2014 from [3]

Externally generated reports

Explorations: TB Rapid Test (TBRT) Project. (2010). Retrieved July 9, 2014 from [4]

Holm-Hansen C. (2010). Norwegian Institute of Public Health receives $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant. EurekAlert! Retrieved July 9, 2014 from [5]

Pereira-Lengkeek D. (2009). Tuberculosis scientific parallel sessions. Fifth EDCTP Forum. Retrieved July 9, 2014 from [6]

Mengesha MB, Abebe F, Bjune G, Ameni G. (2010). Diagnostic delay and the potential of two fusion antigens for the diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Northeast Ethiopia. Retrieved July 9, 2014 from [7]

Yue Z. (2012). Rapid TB test boosts diagnosis accuracy in the field. SciDev.Net. Retrieved July 9, 2014 from [8]

Herchline TE. (2013). Rapid Tuberculosis Test. Medscape. Retrieved July 9, 2014 from [9]

Grand Challenges Exploration Grant (2010) Retrieved August 4, 2014 from [10]

IP and copyright

Approval by regulatory bodies or standards boards

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