Vitebsk region introduced the QuantiFERON test for latent tuberculosis detection

An innovation developed by Vitebsk medics in collaboration with scientists from the local medical university has been used in the northern region since 2022. This was announced at a briefing dedicated to World Tuberculosis Day by Alexander Budritsky, chief freelance phthisiatrician of the main department for healthcare of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.

The QuantiFERON test is the first IGRA (interferon-gamma release assay) immunochromatographic analysis system on test strips. The test helps to detect latent tuberculosis, among other things, which causes active disease in patients with weakened immunity in almost 10 percent of cases.

Tuberculosis facilities in the Vitebsk region are equipped with highly effective medical equipment. For example, in 2022, as part of the technical assistance project "Strengthening National Systems for HIV and Tuberculosis Prevention, Treatment, Care, and Support in the Republic of Belarus," a new automated system VASTEC MGIT 960 was received. Rapid molecular tests are widely used, Budritsky noted:

— They can provide results within two hours and ensure rapid multiplication of DNA sequences corresponding to the tuberculosis pathogen and resistance to rifampicin. GeneXpert systems are used for these studies. Last year, GeneXpert devices appeared in the hospitals of Braslav, Glubokoye, Novopolotsk, Novolukoml, and Tolochin.

The regional 3rd level laboratory for tuberculosis diagnostics at the Vitebsk Regional Clinical Center of Pulmonology and Phthisiology has received a system with a new version of the GeneXpert module, which uses a 10-color format for presenting test results. Looking ahead, Alexander Budritsky shared that the region plans to update its fleet of mobile "Pulmoscan" devices. This will make it possible to conduct population health check-ups even more effectively, especially in rural areas.

"SB"