Arrival of 4-module GeneXpert machine.
In line with the DFG-MRTC’s mission of implementing modern day technologies into Mycobacterial research and diagnostics, the Lab welcomes the GeneXpert System, a machine instrumental in the rapid diagnosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis.
The Team Lead, Professor Cadmus, alongside Professor Tomori, a member of the advisory board, received and inspected the machine.
The GeneXpert machine has four modules functioning as its analytical core and it employs the proprietary cartridge technology. The MTB/XDR and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra cartridges designed for DR-TB diagnosis will be used along with it.
The Xpert MTB/XDR cartridge facilitates quick molecular Drug Susceptibility Testing, and when combined with the frontline Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra cartridge, they establish new benchmarks by identifying mutations associated with resistance to isoniazid (INH), fluoroquinolones (FLQ), second-line injectable drugs (SLID) (amikacin, kanamycin, capreomycin), and ethionamide (ETH) in a single test.
Altogether, the GeneXpert system significantly reduces the length of time required to carry out genotypic drug sensitivity testing for drug-resistant tuberculosis.
