TB Diagnosis: New Test Gives 48-Hour Result

On October 8, Roche Biomedical Laboratories announced
commercial availability of a test to detect active tuberculosis
in 48 hours, compared to three to six weeks previously required
for bacterial cultures. The new test uses PCR technology, in
which a segment of DNA which is specific to the Mycobacterium
tuberculosis organism is made to double many times in the
laboratory; if any is present in the sample, the amount increases
through successive doublings until it can be detected by standard
methods. (Roche also produces PCR tests for HIV, human papilloma
virus, Lyme disease, and other conditions.)

The new test costs about $175. No test kit is provided;
instead, a sputum sample is sent to the laboratory. For
information or to arrange for the test, medical professionals can
call Roche Biological Laboratories Center for Molecular Biology
and Pathology, 800/872-5727.