Point-of-Care (POC) Innovations — LAM and Breathalyzers
2026 has seen a surge in non-sputum-based diagnostics, which are vital for patients who cannot easily produce sputum, such as children and people living with HIV.
Lateral Flow LAM (LF-LAM): This is a rapid "dipstick" urine test that detects lipoarabinomannan (LAM), a component of the TB cell wall. It is particularly effective for diagnosing TB in severely immunocompromised HIV patients.
Electronic Noses (e-Nose): These devices analyze Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in a patient's breath. By identifying the unique "scent" produced by M. tuberculosis metabolic activity, these handheld units offer a non-invasive screening method with results in under five minutes.
1 View