The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) is incorporating Serum-Mylab's indigenously developed latent tuberculosis test - Cy-TB - into its efforts to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025. This novel test can detect latent tuberculosis infection before it progresses to active disease. To achieve the goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025, it is critical to test for and treat LTBI.

The Serum-Mylab Cy-TB Test is a cost-effective, simple skin test that combines the accuracy of the traditional, high-cost lab-based test, interferon gamma release assay (IGRA). It can be administered in field settings without lab infrastructure and is unaffected by an individual's BCG vaccination status, a concern among the Indian population.

Dr Umesh Shaligram, Executive Director – R&D, Serum Institute of India, said,

“We are honoured to contribute to our Prime Minister’s visionary initiative to eradicate TB. The availability of Cy-TB on the Ni-kshay platform represents a milestone in India’s fight against TB. Cy-TB provides a rapid and reliable tool for latent TB diagnosis, ensuring swift and accurate identification of affected individuals who can then receive the necessary care without delay.”

Hasmukh Rawal, MD & Co-founder, Mylab Discovery Solutions, added,

” The reservoir of latent TB infection (LTBI) poses a significant barrier to TB control and elimination. To achieve our TB elimination target, it is crucial to test and treat LTBI. The Cy-TB Test exemplifies our unwavering dedication to global TB eradication.”

By integrating Cy-TB into the Ni-kshay platform, healthcare professionals, diagnostic centers, and laboratories can easily report Cy-TB tests, facilitating the timely detection of latent TB cases and the initiation of suitable treatment.