The two tests would be evaluated on about 40 000 TB patients at increased risk of multi drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), ahead of an anticipated rollout.

Advertisement

The announcement was made by the SA Medical Research Council, the National Health Laboratory Service and the Geneva-based, non-profit Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

Benefits to rapid diagnosis
"Rapid diagnosis of MDR-TB will have several benefits. These include earlier treatment of patients which will undoubtedly save more lives, reducing the time spent on inappropriate and ineffective patient treatment - thereby promoting the development of further drug resistance..." read a joint statement.

Project preparation was underway in the five provinces most affected by the disease - Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the North West and the Northern and Western Cape provinces. Testing was due to begin on April 1.

Based on the results of the demonstration studies, the council and the laboratory would issue policy recommendations on the routine use and rollout of the two tests to the Health Department. – (Sapa)

Read more:
Multi-drug resistant TB
New clues to tough TB

January 2007
 

Print this article on

Rate this article Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent

JOBS

Senior Secretary Gauteng - North/Sandton Infrastructure Resource Gauteng - Johannesburg Management Accountant R450,000-500,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Financial Manager R350,000-400,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Financial and Project Accountant R300,000-360,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Financial Accountant R380,000-420,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg SSIS Business Intelligence Specialists (SSIS; SSAS) R350,000-500,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - North/Sandton Financial Accountant R350,000-450,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - South Find more jobs Register your CV Post a job