AMPLIFIED MTD (Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Direct) Test

Hologic Gen-Probe's AMPLIFIED MTD Test detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis rRNA directly and rapidly while delivering the sensitivity of culture. The test is specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Hologic Gen-Probe's test is the first FDA-approved direct test for helping to diagnose smear-positive and negative specimens. Recent CDC guidelines highlight the role of the Amplified MTD test in the diagnosis of a patient suspected of having TB.¹

The MTD test is intended for use with specimens from patients that are showing signs and symptoms consistent with active pulmonary tuberculosis. The test is used in addition to acid fast bacillus (AFB) smear and culture. It is still important to perform culture due to the need for drug susceptibility information on isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Features/Benefits:

• Uses Hologic Gen-Probe's exclusive Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA)
• TMA optimizes sensitivity by producing >1 billion copies of RNA amplicon
• The amplicon is detected by the Hybridization Protection Assay (HPA)
• Reduces operating costs by eliminating the need for expensive thermal cycling equipment
• Decreases contamination by eliminating wash steps and the pipetting of amplicon

The AMPLIFIED MTD test helps the lab improve workflow by utilizing a single tube format. It also increases efficiency by providing results in 2.5 to 3.5 hours offering diagnostic labs an effective tool in the fight against TB.

With pressure continuing to build to control healthcare costs, the Amplified MTD test helps hospitals and other healthcare institutions utilize resources more effectively. Specifically, the test helps make the correct diagnosis in the same day which is critical in the management of TB. Patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis are quickly identified and the necessary treatment regimen can be initiated promptly.

By making the diagnosis quickly, the healthcare system is able to save the cost associated with inappropriate treatment and avoid the unnecessary isolation of patients with MOTT. The estimated costs associated with an inaccurate diagnosis of TB have been shown to be quite significant. For example, unnecessary institutional isolation due to an inaccurate positive diagnosis has been documented to have costs of $11,576.²

References
¹Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Update: Nucleic acid amplification tests for tuberculosis. 2000. MMWR 49:593-594.
²Memish Z. Evaluation and follow up of infectious tuberculosis at the University of Ottawa. Can J Infect Dis. 1995:6:239-243.

The AMPLIFIED MTD test was approved for In Vitro Diagnostic Use by the FDA in 1995.

For additional availability in other countries please contact your local sales rep or distributor.