Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for 1.3 million deaths every year, positioning it as one of the top killers globally due to a single infectious agent. In 2022, around 10.6 million people were diagnosed with TB, and it's estimated that as many as one-quarter of the global population may be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Effective TB control requires healthcare providers to address not only those with active TB but also the vast, often unnoticed reservoir of individuals with latent TB infection (LTBI). Screening for latent TB involves identifying and testing people at risk of contracting TB or those who might progress from latent to active TB. Now, a unique blood-based interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) paired with an automated liquid handling platform enables accurate TB testing and streamlined lab workflows without compromising on clinical performance.

Revvity, Inc. (Waltham, MA, USA) has introduced the T-SPOT.TB test for use on the Auto-Pure 2400 liquid handler. This test is an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) that uses enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) technology for the detection of LTBI. This technology involves crucial steps recognized by the World Health Organization as vital for ensuring dependable and accurate TB testing results. These critical steps include washing, isolating, and counting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) before performing the test.

The integration of the T-SPOT.TB test's accuracy with the efficiency of the Auto-Pure 2400 creates a robust solution benefiting laboratories, clinicians, and ultimately patients. The Auto-Pure 2400, an automated liquid handling platform, features integrated magnetic cell isolation technology, and simplicity of use, and is designed to enhance laboratory workflows. It can process up to 24 samples per run and completes day-1 T-SPOT.TB workflows in less than 3.5 hours with just one mid-run user interaction required. This system not only streamlines laboratory processes but also includes an intuitive software interface, making it user-friendly.

“The ability to use the Auto-Pure 2400 platform with our T-SPOT.TB test provides labs an efficient workflow allowing latent TB testing to be run in a mid-high-volume setting, without having to compromise on the clinical performance of the test,” said Darren Sher, general manager, infectious diseases for Revvity. “With this solution, more labs can offer clinicians access to the most accurate TB diagnostic on the market.”

Source:
https://www.labmedica.com/microbiology/articles/294801075/integrated-solution-ushers-new-era-of-automated-tuberculosis-testing.html