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Researchers develop first breath test for TB

Scientists in the USA have developed a breath test for tuberculosis.


Scientists in the USA have developed a breath test for tuberculosis (TB).

The test, the details of which were published in the journal, Nature Communications, has shown accuracy when used on rabbits in a laboratory setting.

The researchers found that the test was able to almost instantly provide information on drug resistance, which would normally take up to six weeks using current diagnostic methods.

However, as the research has only focused on rabbits so far, the next step will be to try the test in humans.

If the test is successful within a clinical setting, there are hopes that it could boost early diagnosis and treatment of TB, which are crucial to the global fight against the disease.

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