New Tongue Swab Test Detects TB Within Minutes
A new tongue swab TB test could soon change how doctors detect tuberculosis, especially in people who struggle to give sputum samples. An international study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine has found that a portable testing device can identify TB in just a few minutes using either sputum or a simple tongue swab.
The study involved researchers from seven countries, including India. Experts say the technology may improve early TB detection and help healthcare workers diagnose patients more easily in remote and resource limited areas.
Why TB Diagnosis Remains Difficult
For decades, TB testing mainly depended on sputum samples collected after a patient coughed mucus from the lungs. Although modern molecular tests improved accuracy, they still rely heavily on sputum collection.
However, many people including children, older adults, and seriously ill patients, often find it difficult to produce sputum. Due to this, doctors may miss infections or face delays in confirming the disease.
The newly studied tongue swab TB test offers a simpler option because healthcare workers can collect a sample directly from the surface of the tongue without discomfort or complicated procedures.
Portable Device Delivers Results Within Minutes
Researchers evaluated a portable molecular testing platform called MiniDock MTB. The battery operated device belongs to the nucleic acid amplification test family, also known as NAAT, which is considered the gold standard for rapid TB diagnosis.
According to the study, the device detected tuberculosis from samples in about 12 to 25 minutes.
The trial included 1,380 participants. Researchers found that the test correctly identified TB in 85.7 per cent of sputum samples and 79.6 per cent of tongue swab samples.
Dr D J Christopher, head of pulmonary medicine at Christian Medical College, Vellore and one of the study authors, said the test could make TB screening more affordable and accessible.
He explained that many healthcare systems still begin TB screening with microscopy and reserve advanced tests for selected patients. Because of this approach, several TB cases remain undetected.
Easier Testing Could Help Rural Healthcare Centres
Doctors believe the biggest strength of the tongue swab TB test is its simplicity. Since healthcare workers do not need advanced infrastructure or complicated sample collection methods, the technology could support diagnosis at primary health centres and rural clinics.
The study also highlighted that the MiniDock platform costs less than many existing molecular diagnostic systems, which may improve access in low-resource settings.
Indian Company Already Working on Similar Testing
The World Health Organisation recently recommended the use of tongue swabs for TB detection. The WHO also referred to the Indian diagnostics company Molbio Diagnostics for its work in this area.
According to a company spokesperson, the Truenat platform already supports multiple sample types, including tongue swabs. The system is currently used in several primary healthcare centres across India, helping bring TB testing closer to patients.
Experts Say Early Detection Is Critical
Chest specialist Dr Yatin Dholakia said India must identify TB cases as early as possible to achieve its national elimination goals.
He noted that chest X-rays can also help detect TB, but they are not always easy to arrange in remote areas. In addition, repeated radiation exposure remains a concern.
According to him, tongue swab testing may become a practical and safer alternative for large-scale screening programs.
Conclusion
Experts believe the tongue swab TB test could improve patient comfort while helping doctors diagnose infections earlier. Faster diagnosis often leads to earlier treatment, lower disease spread, and better recovery outcomes.
Although sputum testing still remains slightly more accurate, researchers say tongue swab testing has now reached acceptable international standards and may become an important tool in future TB control efforts.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 26 May 2026
- 09:00
