South Africa Trials Lower-Cost TB Test
Why this is here: The new TB test’s price of $3.60 (R62) is already attracting additional donor support, including a $50 million (R860 million) injection to the Global Fund, potentially enabling South Africa to significantly expand its TB testing capacity.
South Africa is beginning trials of a new tuberculosis (TB) test costing $3.60 (R62) per test—a third of the current standard. The portable device aims to increase TB diagnoses by allowing clinics to test on-site within an hour. However, the test cannot detect drug-resistant TB, requiring additional lab tests for positive results.
Two studies will assess the test’s effectiveness in everyday care, involving over 7,000 patients. Current TB tests often require patients to produce sputum samples, which is difficult for many, including those with HIV, who often present with dry coughs. The new test utilizes tongue swabs as an alternative for these patients.
The cheaper test and portable machines could help South Africa reach its goal of testing 5 million people this year, addressing a funding gap in the current TB budget. Support from organizations like the Gates Foundation and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation is helping to fund the rollout and viability studies.