Faster TB test results on the way (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

A blood test which enables doctors to rule out tuberculosis (TB) infection in days rather than weeks has been developed by UK researchers.

It could prevent patients having to undergo lengthy investigations and allow them to begin treatment more quickly, they said.

TB is hard to diagnose because its symptoms, such as fever and fatigue, are associated with other conditions.

The research is published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Britain is the only country in Western Europe where TB is on the rise and London, which carries almost half the national burden, is Europe's TB capital.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7283403.stm