Revvity Joins India’s Fight Against Tuberculosis (TB) by Launching its T-SPOT.TB for Latent TB Screening in the Country

Revvity, a global company that leverages innovation in Diagnostics and Life Sciences, with a strong presence in India, today announced the country launch of its T-SPOT^®.TB test for latent TB screening, at MICROCON in Lucknow.

Revvity’s T-SPOT^®.TB is the only FDA-approved, commercially available IGRA (interferon gamma release assay) based on the ELISPOT technology. This technology includes the isolation, washing and counting of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from whole blood to standardize the test and provide reproducible results for reliable detection – even in challenging-to-screen groups, such as the immunosuppressed[i].

Shripad Joshi, President, India & South Asia at Revvity said: “With approximately 40% of the Indian population being infected with latent TB, detecting the infection before it progresses to active disease, which is symptomatic and infectious, is paramount. We recognize the critical role that collaboration between the public and private sectors plays in the Government’s mission of eradicating TB by 2025. As a result, we are committed to working closely with the Indian healthcare sector to integrate our reliable, single visit T-SPOT^®.TB test into the country’s existing healthcare infrastructure, increasing accessibility and affordability of latent TB screening. 

“We have 20 years’ experience in TB screening and have been collaborating with several healthcare systems around the world. We are now thrilled to be able to start equipping healthcare professionals in India with advanced screening tools that can support the Government’s mission effectively, decreasing costs associated with treating active or drug-resistant TB, and more importantly, saving lives. 

Revvity T-SPOT^®.TB test

Based on the ELISPOT technology, the T-SPOT^®.TB test is the only WHO recommended IGRA that uses a standardized sample, reducing the influence of factors in the blood which may affect performance and normalizing for cell number variation. The WHO diagnostic guidelines acknowledge the benefits of the normalization step prior to cell stimulation required in the T-SPOT^®.TB test.[i] Normalizing the T-cell count before cell stimulation can help obtain accurate results in populations with weakened immune systems.[i] In addition, the T-SPOT^®.TB test does not cross-react with the BCG vaccine[i], which is commonly used in India.

The T-SPOT^®.TB test is one of the three IGRAs that are recommended by WHO as alternatives to the tuberculin skin test (TST) or the Mantoux test for the detection of TB infection. The T-SPOT^®.TB test is available in over 50 countries including in Europe, China, Japan, and the US, and is in the list of in-vitro diagnostics (IVDs) recommended by WHO for use in countries to improve access to IVD testing and advance universal health coverage.[i]

Automation of the T-SPOT^®.TB test is possible using the T-Cell Select ^TM reagent kit, and automated platforms are available for low, medium, and high throughput settings. The use of the T-Cell Select^TM reagent kit in the automated workflow allows for the blood samples to be transported and stored at ambient temperature for up to 54 hours prior to processing, improving sample collection logistics.

Launch of T-SPOT^®.TB at MICROCON 2023

Revvity is launching its ELISPOT-based IGRA T-SPOT^®.TB at the 46th Edition of MICROCON held at King George’s Medical University in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Celebrating excellence in Clinical Microbiology, MICROCON congregates renowned international and national experts and attendees who are set to discuss and gain valuable insight into cutting-edge developments in the fields of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Amita Jain and Dr. Surya Kant will act as the honorable chief guests during the launch event of Revvity T-SPOT^®.TB at the Congress.

Dr. Surya Kant, Professor and Head of Department of Respiratory Medicine at King George's Medical University, and Chairman, North Zone Task Force of National TB Elimination Program, commented: “Our country has made notable progress in both active and latent TB testing, fostering optimism around the attainment of the Government’s goal of eradicating TB by 2030. It's important to highlight that despite the existence of a few solutions for latent tuberculosis screening, Government organizations are actively involved in advancing innovative and effective screening tools other than the traditional TST. Early detection through widespread testing, coupled with appropriate medical intervention, can prevent the progression of latent TB into its active and more contagious form."

Dr. Amita Jain, Professor and Head of Department of Microbiology at King George's Medical University, and Organizing Chairperson at MICROCON, added: “The very high percentage of the Indian population infected with latent TB emphasizes the growing national importance of screening to prevent community transmission and achieve India’s TB eradication mission. High-risk groups, including immunocompromised individuals, expectant mothers, and pediatric patients are significantly impacted. We celebrate the launch of tests that promise reliable latent TB detection, even in groups that are difficult to screen due to their weakened immune systems.”