Health Update: An improved test for TB
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A MORE accurate test to detect tuberculosis, which causes three million deaths a year, may soon replace the skin test developed more than 50 years ago, says a report in New Scientist. Incidence of the disease is thought to be rising as a result of the spread of HIV. Researchers at the TB unit of the Medical Research Council, based at Hammersmith Hospital, London, say the new test will lead to earlier detection.
The old test involves injecting the skin with protein segments from the TB bacterium. In people suspected of infection, this produces a red swelling at the injection site, but the test does not always distinguish genuine infection from the BCG vaccination or the presence of harmless micro-organisms. Scientists are developing a test that can verify the presence of active disease.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments