"New TB test: faster, cheaper and easier"

I, Science 22 November 2005
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NOVEMBER: A standard test for TB takes three to four weeks and costs £17-£23. However, a new test has been developed which takes just one week and costs only £1 to perform.

The new test, called MODS (Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptible Assay), does not require extensive training to perform and its speed and low cost mean it could be of massive benefit across the world.

"TB is a major cause of mortality in the developing world, and eradicating it has been made difficult through a lack of inexpensive diagnosis equipment which can be deployed quickly and easily. The MODS test provides a simple solution to this," said Professor Jon Friedland of Imperial College, who was involved with developing the test.

The MODS test won first place in the Best Innovation to Improve Global Healthcare category at the Medical Futures Innovation Awards. The award was given to Dr. David Moore, also from Imperial College.