Tuberculosis

When should the test be performed?
The immunochromatographic identification test is used for the qualitative detection of the MPT64 antigen, secreted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in culture. It is a rapid method for distinguishing tuberculosis bacilli from atypical mycobacteria and verifying whether a positive culture result is not due to sample contamination. Indications for performing the test include:

• Positive culture result in the BACTEC MGIT system
• Need for rapid identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
• Differentiation between tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis mycobacteria
• Verification of culture results for potential contamination

Test description
The MPT64 antigen-based immunochromatographic test is a fast and easy-to-perform method that allows for preliminary identification of tuberculosis bacilli without the need for time-consuming biochemical or molecular tests.

• The test is performed directly from positive MGIT tubes, significantly reducing the identification time compared to classical methods
• It enables differentiation between tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria, which is essential for guiding further diagnostic and therapeutic decisions
• It helps eliminate false-positive results caused by sample contamination