Qiagen's QuantiFeron-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) blood test for detecting latent tuberculosis (TB) made the list of diagnostics in the international Stop TB Partnership Global Drug Facility (GDF) product catalog.
The GDF facilitates the procurement and supply of tuberculosis medicines, diagnostics, and lab supplies to public health organizations globally. Qiagen said in a statement that the GDF stamp of approval will open a new channel in countries where tuberculosis is common and where Qiagen has no direct commercial presence.
According to the company, QFT-Plus has sensitivity of more than 97% for detecting tuberculosis. It requires a small sample of blood, with results evaluated in a laboratory, and it can take the place of a traditional skin test for initial diagnosis or for use in confirming the disease. The test has been endorsed by the World Health Organization for diagnosing latent tuberculosis, Qiagen noted.
