To enable clinicians to rapidly test for tuberculosis (TB) and multidrug resistance as a first-line test, Noida-based  startup Redcliffe Labs becomes the first diagnostics company in India to launch the BD MAX MDR TB test which is performed on BD MAX molecular diagnostic system.

Presently there are two different tests to be conducted: one to detect TB and the other to check drug resistance – against only one drug (Rifampicin). With this new test, drug resistance against both Rifampicin and Isoniazid can be detected in a single test.

Clinicians can use the test to simultaneously detect bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) and determine if the bacteria contain mutations associated with resistance to two important first line drugs - Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RIF) respectively. 

This enhances the information available to direct the optimal treatment for patients and rules out the need for separate test for isoniazid (INH) detection.  

"This new test is a big step forward for clinical practice as antimicrobial resistance has made this identification more complex with the BD MAX MDR-TB panel including MTB, RIF & INH together in less than 4 hours”, said Prof. Ashok Rattan, Chairman Medical Committee & Quality, Redcliffe Labs.