We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
GLOBE SCIENTIFIC, LLC

Download Mobile App




New Rapid Test Detects Both HIV and TB in Blood Sample

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 21 Nov 2023

HIV and tuberculosis (TB) frequently occur together, posing a significant health challenge. More...

HIV weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections like TB. Indeed, individuals with HIV are at the greatest risk of developing TB. Traditional TB diagnosis involves culturing sputum, saliva, and mucus mix, but this process is time-consuming and often not feasible for urgent treatment needs. Additionally, sputum collection is not viable for HIV patients due to their compromised immune systems. To fill this diagnostic gap, researchers have developed a rapid, dual-detection blood test that can identify both HIV and TB simultaneously using just a small blood sample.

This breakthrough blood test, developed by researchers at Tulane University (New Orleans, LA, USA), not only identifies HIV and TB but also measures their respective viral and bacterial loads. Requiring only about 200 microliters of blood – a mere few drops – the test bypasses the need for sputum samples, making it particularly useful for HIV patients. It operates by targeting specific HIV and TB antigens present in the blood, utilizing mass spectrometry for precise measurement of viral and bacterial quantities.

A key benefit of this novel test is its ability to monitor the levels of both HIV and TB during a patient's treatment. This real-time tracking is crucial in managing immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), a condition where treating one infection may exacerbate the other. The test's rapid results allow for timely adjustments in treatment strategies, enhancing patient outcomes. Such tests are especially critical in developing countries, where TB is more prevalent and access to diagnostic resources is limited. The researchers are optimistic about progressing from their initial pilot study to clinical trials and are aiming for FDA approval of the test.

“For HIV patients, their immune system is very weak, and once they are infected, they can’t confront the bacteria very well, so that’s why there is this urgent need to bring a blood-based TB tests to them,” said Tony Hu at Tulane University School of Medicine who led the research. “For the TB-infected patients, they worry, ‘Why did I get TB? Is it because I have HIV?’ So, this is a multiplex detection to cover both pathogens.”

Related Links:
Tulane University


Gold Member
Pharmacogenetics Panel
VeriDose Core Panel v2.0
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Legionella Pneumophila Test
CHORUS Legionella Urinary Antigen
New
Plasmodium Test
Plasmodium DNA Real Time PCR Kit
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Schematic overview of the deep learning-based circulating exosome analysis for lung cancer detection (Photo courtesy of Chuan Xu, Cheng Jiang)

Liquid Biopsy Approach to Transform Diagnosis, Monitoring and Treatment of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer continues to be a major contributor to cancer-related deaths globally, with its biological complexity and diverse regulatory processes making diagnosis and treatment particularly difficult.... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The Aiforia Breast Cancer Grading AI solution is CE-IVD marked (Photo courtesy of Aiforia Technologies)

Clinical AI Solution for Automatic Breast Cancer Grading Improves Diagnostic Accuracy

Labs that use traditional image analysis methods often suffer from bottlenecks and delays. By digitizing their pathology practices, labs can streamline their work, allowing them to take on larger caseloads... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.