Mast launches new TB detection kit

Mast has announced the launch of a new kit which it claims offers simultaneous detection of tuberculosis (TB) and its potential treatment resistance.

The company says the new Hain Lifescience GenoType MTBDRsl kit uses DNA strip technology to identify the TB complex as well as the possibility of its susceptibility to drugs and pulmonary samples.

It is noted that among these, the assay is able to detect resistance to ethambutol and fluoroquinolones – including ofloxacin and moxifloxacin – as well as a number of antibiotic treatments such as viomycin, kanamycin, amikacin and capreomycin.

The GenoType MTBDRsl kit is able to do this by using a series of common mutation markers and can be used alongside other products from the Mast range.

"When used in conjunction with the Hain Lifescience GenoType MTBDRplus, the assay provides an early diagnosis of XDR-TB," the group confirmed.

Last week, Mast announced the launch of the Seeplex multiplex PCR.