BD MGIT™ TBc Identification Test

BD Diagnostics, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), recently launched in the BD MGIT™ TBc Identification Test in Africa and the European Union (EU) to identify M. tuberculosis complex (Mtbc) from liquid culture. Specifically, the new product detects MPT64, a mycobacterial protein that is secreted by Mtbc cells during culture. The new test is very simple to use, providing accurate and reliable results in only 15 minutes. The faster time to result is a significant improvement over the several hours or days required by other available tests.

According to the WHO, it is imperative that all mycobacterial isolates be speciated at least to the level of Mtbc vs. non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and that a rapid and affordable method of species identification be used.1 NTM refers to all the species in the family of mycobacteria that do not cause tuberculosis. Timely identification of Mtbc can accurately guide initial therapy and help lead to better patient outcomes.

About BD’s Tuberculosis Diagnostics

The BD MGIT™ TBc Identification Test is the newest addition to BD’s line of products designed to help diagnose tuberculosis.

The BD BACTEC™ MGIT™ System utilizes liquid culture and dramatically shortens mycobacteria culture recovery time to approximately 10-14 days, compared with up to six weeks for traditional solid culture. In 2007, the WHO adopted a policy recommending the use of liquid culture methods in resource-limited settings and as a standard of care for TB diagnosis and patient management.¹

Click here to download a product flyer.

Click here to visit BD’s global health site for Tuberculosis.

¹ http://www.who.int/tb/dots/laboratory/policy/en/index3.html (August 2009)