India includes first skin test for latent TB diagnostics into national programme

The inclusion of Serum-Mylab’s Cy-TB in the NTEP and its availability on the Ni-kshay platform marks a substantial leap forward in the country’s TB control efforts.

The Serum-Mylab Cy-TB Test, a fast and accurate diagnostic tool, represents a significant advancement in latent TB diagnosis. It combines the cost-effectiveness and simplicity of a skin test with the accuracy of the traditional high-cost lab-based test called interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA).

This test can be administered in a field setting and does not require any lab infrastructure. The most important feature of this test is that it is unaffected by the BCG vaccination status of an individual, addressing a significant concern among the Indian population where nearly everyone receives the vaccine.

Dr Umesh Shaligram, Executive Director, R&D, Serum Institute of India, said, “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 then receive the necessary care without delay”.

Hasmukh Rawal, MD and co-founder, Mylab Discovery Solutions, added, “The reservoir of latent TB infection (LTBI) poses a significant barrier to TB control and elimination. To achieve our TB elimination target, it is crucial to test and treat LTBI. The Cy-TB Test exemplifies our unwavering dedication to global TB eradication”.