Tuberculosis (TB) is the deadliest infectious disease in the world, causing more than one million deaths annually. The conventional phlegm-based test, used since the 19th century, has many limitations, including its discomfort and lack of precision.
In this context, there is a radical change: a new device, MiniDock MTB, which allows the detection of TB through more accessible samples, such as tongue swabs. This cuts back the time and costs of diagnosis, in addition to increasing portability and access in various circumstances.
A recent study with almost 1,400 patients in Africa and Asia showed that MiniDock meets the accuracy standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), offering a faster and more reliable diagnosis than traditional methods.
“For a long time, we have been trying to make the diagnosis of tuberculosis easier, cheaper and faster,” he told Nationwide Public Radio (NPR) Alfred Andama, a microbiologist at Makerere College College of Health Sciences in Uganda. That wish was fulfilled last year, when MiniDock was born, by the Chinese company Pluslif.
Improvement in access and diagnosis
The implementation of MiniDock MTB could facilitate access to TB diagnosis, enabling earlier treatment and reducing disease transmission in vulnerable communities.
Although MiniDock represents a significant advance, experts warn of its limitations in early detection and inability to differentiate between drug-resistant strains.
Specialists, such as Adithya Cattamanchi, interviewed by NPRsee the MiniDock as a notable step towards the goal of eliminating the use of microscopes in the diagnosis of TB, opening the door to a more efficient and effective healthcare system in the fight against this devastating disease.
Differences between MiniDock and traditional methods
MiniDock MTB is a molecular tuberculosis (TB) test designed to operate near the point of care (reach-POC), while traditional diagnostic methods primarily include smear microscopy (sputum microscopy), cultures and, in some contexts, chest x-ray. Its key differences focus on speed, the sample used, the environment of use and sensitivity compared to classical techniques.
Type of method and technology
- MiniDock MTB: compact isothermal molecular test (PCR-type or the same) that detects DNA from M. tuberculosis in about 30-60 minutes, with automated results on a handheld device.
- Traditional methods: direct sputum microscopy (smear microscopy), slower but lower cost; and culture in a reference laboratory, which is the “gold standard test” in terms of sensitivity, but takes weeks.
Sample type and ease of collection
- MiniDock MTB: validates the use of both sputum “swab” (sputum swab) and lingual swab, even self-applied, with high patient adherence and good acceptability.
- Traditional methods: They usually require induced or expectorated sputum, which is more difficult to obtain in children, people with dry cough or comorbidities, and requires specific non-public training.
Time until result and place of realization
- MiniDock MTB: results in less than 1 hour, designed for use in first-level health centers or in community coverage, even with solar energy, allowing “almost immediate” diagnosis near the patient.
- Traditional methods: Bacilloscopy is available in many centers, but culture typically requires sending the sample to a central laboratory and waiting 2-6 weeks, with delays in initiating treatment.
Sensitivity and specificity
- MiniDock MTB: In recent studies, sensitivity is around 85–86% in sputum swabs and 76–80% in lingual swabs, with specificity >97–98%, comparable to Xpert MTB/RIF Extremely and far superior to smear microscopy.
- Traditional methods: Bacillus smear has low sensitivity (especially in smear-negative and immunosuppressed patients), while culture is more neutrally accurate, but is not useful for rapid initiation of treatment.
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