A new, rapid Tuberculosis test has been endorsed by World Health Organization. This new TB fully automated test named NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) – provides an accurate diagnosis in approximately 100 minutes. While current tests can take months before a result is returned. According to WHO, the fully automated NAAT has undergone 1.5 years of meticulous evaluation for its field effectiveness in the prompt diagnosis of TB.
It was also found to be effective in two very difficult-to-diagnose conditions namely:
1. MDR-TB, or multidrug-resistant TB.
2. TB complicated by HIV infection.
WHO is also issuing testing protocols so that the new technology can be used to best advantage. TB infected approximately 9.4 million (active TB) people in 2010 and killed approximately 1.7 million, WHO cited.