India’s mission to eliminate tuberculosis has received a significant boost with the introduction of two groundbreaking diagnostic tools developed within the country. Validated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), these innovations promise to make TB testing faster, more accurate, and far more affordable—potentially transforming healthcare access nationwide.
Two Homegrown Solutions Changing the Game
One of the newly validated tools, the Quantiplus MTB FAST detection kit from Huwel Lifesciences in Telangana, is the first open-system RT-PCR assay approved for detecting lung TB. Unlike traditional systems tied to exclusive, expensive machines, Quantiplus can run on any standard PCR equipment already in use across numerous laboratories. Capable of processing up to 96 samples at once, it dramatically increases testing efficiency while reducing costs by nearly 80%, according to experts.
By allowing labs to expand capacity without investing in specialized machines, this technology paves the way for large-scale, rapid TB testing across both public and private healthcare facilities.
The second major innovation, the UniAMP MTB Nucleic Acid Test Card, introduces a far more patient-friendly approach. Instead of relying on sputum collection—which can be uncomfortable and difficult for many patients—this test uses non-invasive tongue swab samples. This shift makes the process easier for children, the elderly, and those who struggle with traditional methods, opening the door to doorstep testing and community-level mass screenings.
Driving India Closer to TB Elimination
According to ICMR officials, these advancements are the result of a strong push to fast-track validation of homegrown diagnostic solutions that improve early detection. Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for preventing the spread of TB and ensuring prompt, effective treatment, especially in cases of drug-resistant strains.
These new tools build on the success of earlier decentralised testing systems like Truenat and PathoDetect, which have already reduced delays and expanded diagnostic reach. Together, they represent a robust, indigenous ecosystem of TB-fighting technology that the government hopes to scale up nationwide.
If deployed effectively, these Made-in-India solutions could mark a turning point in the fight against one of the country’s deadliest infectious diseases—saving lives, cutting costs, and bringing India a significant step closer to eradicating TB as a public health threat.
