New Tongue-Swab TB Test Could Help Eradicate The Disease, WHO Says

Why It Matters

Rapid, low‑cost TB screening could dramatically increase case detection, curb transmission, and accelerate progress toward the WHO’s goal of ending tuberculosis globally.

Key Takeaways

• Tongue‑swab test yields results in under one hour
• Device cost up to 90% lower than GeneXpert
• Sensitivity about 80% versus sputum culture
• Cartridge price $3.60, expected to drop further
• Gates Foundation funds rollout in low‑resource settings

Pulse Analysis

Tuberculosis remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, with an estimated 10.7 million new cases and 1.2 million deaths in 2024. Traditional diagnostics rely on sputum smear microscopy or GeneXpert PCR, both of which demand laboratory infrastructure, trained personnel, and, in GeneXpert’s case, a capital outlay of $20,000‑$30,000 for the machine. These barriers limit access in the poorest regions where TB prevalence is highest, and delays in results can prolong infectious periods and increase mortality. The new near‑point‑of‑care (nPOC) test directly addresses these gaps by delivering molecular results at the bedside within 30‑60 minutes, eliminating the need for complex logistics and reducing turnaround time dramatically.

The PlusLife MiniDock platform leverages a tongue‑swab specimen, a method that sidesteps the challenges of sputum collection, especially among children, HIV‑positive individuals, and severely ill patients. Although its analytical sensitivity sits at roughly 80% of sputum cultures, the trade‑off is offset by ease of use, the ability to pool samples, and a cartridge price of $3.60—significantly cheaper than existing molecular tests. The device’s compact design and minimal maintenance requirements make it suitable for primary‑care clinics, schools, workplaces, and even home‑based screening, expanding the reach of active case‑finding initiatives in high‑burden settings.

Beyond the technical merits, the test’s development is bolstered by substantial Gates Foundation investment, which aims to create a competitive market, ensure supply resilience, and lower costs through scale. If adopted widely, the technology could reshape TB control strategies, enabling earlier treatment initiation, reducing community transmission, and mitigating stigma associated with clinic‑based testing. In the United States, where TB cases are rising modestly, the nPOC test offers a potential tool for targeted screening in vulnerable populations, complementing existing public‑health efforts and supporting the broader goal of ending TB as a global health threat.