The case for ambition: Why countries must move boldly on Near Point-of-Care TB Diagnostics
March 23, 2026 – Sharonann Lynch, Lucy Mupfumi, Collins Otieno, Agrata Sharma, Anafi Mataka
Published on PLOS Global Public Health
The 2013 World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of rapid molecular diagnostics as the initial test for tuberculosis (TB) marked a turning point in global TB control, ushering in automated, rapid and more sensitive diagnosis than conventional smear microscopy [1].
More than a decade later, that promise remains partially fulfilled. In 2024 only half of the 8.3 million people with TB were tested with a WHO recommended rapid molecular diagnostic test (WRD), while 2.4 million were missed—neither diagnosed nor notified [2]. The persistent diagnostic gap underscores a broader reality: diagnosis remains the weakest link in the TB care cascade [3]. This gap is attributable in part to significant infrastructure and staffing requirements with current diagnostic tools coupled with high prices [4,5].
Recently, WHO recommended the adoption of newer near point-of-care (nPOC) TB tests. The first in line nPOC TB test is the MTBC Nucleic Acid Test Card from Pluslife – an affordable test that can be performed at primary health care facilities, where people first seek care, using easy-to-collect tongue swab samples [6].