The accuracy of this kit is more than 90 percent (in diagnosing tuberculosis)
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has developed a device named TB-Scan or Kit Ethambutol to detect tuberculosis (TB) inside and outside the lungs.

"The accuracy of this kit is more than 90 percent (in diagnosing tuberculosis)," Head of the BRIN Research Center for Radioisotope, Radiopharmaceutical, and Biodosimetry Technology (PRTRRB), Tita Puspitasari, informed in Jakarta on Monday.

BRIN launched the non-invasive diagnostic tool that provides results within four hours in collaboration with state-owned pharmaceutical company PT Kimia Farma Tbk.

The TB-Scan is the only product in the world that can diagnose tuberculosis inside and outside the lungs, Puspitasari claimed.

The currently available method of detecting TB bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis can only be used to diagnose a TB infection in the lungs, while TB outside the lungs is difficult to detect, she said.

In addition to infecting the lungs, Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria also attack other organs such as the brain, bones, lymph nodes, and joints, she added.

Therefore, Puspitasari said she hopes that TB-Scan can be used by the wider community.

"As the only product and the first in the world created by the domestic industry, it will be Indonesia's pride if this product can be massively commercialized for both domestic and foreign needs," she remarked.

She informed that the development of the TB-Scan began in 2015. Its clinical trial was carried out by BRIN in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine of Padjadjaran University and Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung.

The product was granted a distribution permit (number DKL2112432144A1) by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) on February 22, 2021.

So far, several hospitals have ordered TB-Scan, including the Central General Hospital (RSUP) Kariadi, Adam Malik Hospital, Army Central Hospital (RSPAD) Gatot Soebroto, and Siloam MRCCC Hospital.

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Translator: Martha Herlinawati S, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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