Device data
Health topic Tuberculosis
Classification Diagnosis
Manufacturer
location		 Norway

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

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)

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 .

Other internally generated reports

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

Externally generated reports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Approval by regulatory bodies or standards boards

Page data
SDG SDG03 Good health and well-being, SDG09 Industry innovation and infrastructure
Authors Lonny Grafman, Chris Waterguy, Emilio, Kathleen Sienko, Amir Sabet Sarvestani
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Organizations Appropedia Foundation, University of Michigan
Language English (en)
Related 0 subpages, 1 pages link here
Redirects TB Rapid Test (TBRT) Project
Views 36 page views (analytics)
Created August 8, 2014 by Gfantich
Last edit September 10, 2026 by Felipe Schenone
Cite as Gfantich (2014–2026). "Global Health Medical Device Compendium/TB Rapid Test (TBRT) Project". Appropedia. Retrieved September 30, 2026.
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