Archive · 17 Sep 2025
New TB Screening Method Uses Tongue Swabs
Scientists have found a new way to test for tuberculosis.
Instead of the usual test, they are now using a simple swab of the tongue.
This test uses a special tool, based on a technology called CRISPR, to quickly find signs of the illness.
The test is much easier, especially for people who have trouble with the usual methods.
The tongue swab test gives results very quickly.
This new test is a big step toward making TB diagnosis easier.
A new TB screening method uses tongue swabs instead of sputum.
The test utilizes enhanced CRISPR-based technology.
The ActCRISPR-TB test provides results within an hour.
Clinical testing showed higher TB detection rates with tongue swabs.
The research aims to improve TB diagnosis in various groups.
- Who
- Researchers from Tulane University
- What
- Developed a new tuberculosis screening method using tongue swabs
- When
- Published in Nature Communications
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To improve TB diagnosis, especially in low-resource communities
Advantages of Tongue Swab Test
Benefits of Sputum Tests
Accessibility and Ease of Use
Advantages of Tongue Swab Test
Tongue swabs are painless and easier to collect than sputum, opening doors for large-scale screenings.
Benefits of Sputum Tests
Sputum testing can test for other issues
- Study Focus
- Tuberculosis screening using tongue swabs
- Technology Used
- Enhanced CRISPR-based technology
- Test Name
- ActCRISPR-TB
- Test Speed
- Diagnosis in under an hour
- Tongue Swab Detection Rate
- 74%
- Existing Method Detection Rate
- 56%
- Journal of Publication
- Nature Communications