WHO Grants First Prequalification to Tuberculosis Diagnostic Test

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday announced the prequalification of the Xpert®️ MTB/RIF Ultra, marking it as the first molecular diagnostic test for tuberculosis (TB) to meet WHO standards, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

This significant milestone aims to enhance the detection of TB, which is responsible for over one million deaths annually, particularly impacting low- and middle-income countries.

WHO emphasizes that accurate and early detection of TB, especially drug-resistant strains, remains a top global health priority. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, highlighted the importance of this prequalification in scaling up access to high-quality TB diagnostic tools.

The prequalification is expected to ensure the quality of diagnostic tests, facilitating improved access to early diagnosis and treatment. This development is a crucial step in addressing one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, underscoring the need for effective diagnostic solutions in combating TB.