Noida-based startup Redcliffe Labs, a leading pan-India omnichannel diagnostic company in India, has announced the launch of the BD MAX MDR TB test, which can detect multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in a single test, enabling clinicians to quickly test for TB and multidrug resistance as a first-line test.

The test, conducted at Redcliffe Labs in Noida, is the first of its kind in India and will significantly enhance the information available to direct the optimal treatment for patients.

Launching the BD MAX MDR TB test marks a significant milestone in the fight against TB in India. According to the India TB Report 2022, the country reported a sharp 19% rise in tuberculosis cases in 2021, with 19 lakh incident TB patients notified. With proper detection and treatment, TB is curable, and Redcliffe Labs' latest offering promises to help clinicians make informed clinical decisions and improve patient treatment outcomes.

With the new BD MAX MDR TB test, clinicians can simultaneously detect bacteria that cause TB and determine if the bacteria contain mutations associated with resistance to two important first-line drugs - Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RIF), respectively. This makes TB detection quick and easy and eliminates the need for separate tests for drug resistance against Rifampicin and Isoniazid. 

"This new launch is a game-changer for TB detection in India," said Prof. Ashok Rattan, Chairman of Medical Committee & Quality, Redcliffe Labs. "Antimicrobial resistance has made TB identification more complex, and the BD MAX MDR-TB panel provides a comprehensive solution that is quick, efficient, and accurate."