SRL Diagnostics has announced the launch of an advanced genomic test for tuberculosis (TB). The test is expected to reduce time taken to diagnose multi-drug resistant tuberculosis and offer a complete resistance profiling to 18 different TB drugs.

Speaking on the launch of the test, Anand, CEO, SRL Diagnostics said “The Whole Genome Sequencing test enables a clinician to decide the most appropriate drug regimen by providing an accurate and clinically relevant diagnosis within few days. In addition to its use in accurate detection of drug resistance, the test has the potential to revolutionize epidemiology studies and disease surveillance."

The Whole Genome Sequencing test involves rapid and comprehensive genomic analysis for detection of drug resistance markers (18 drugs), strain typing, mixed infection and co-infections. The test can overcome the time and cost limitations of traditional culture based drug susceptibility testing as it can more rapidly detect all mutations known to be associated with drug resistance for any TB drug in one step.