Our medical consultant answers your TB related questions

Why is TB screening important, especially as a lab test is still required?

Why is the RBS screening device better than other TB screening tests?

How much training is involved to be able to collect a sample and to use the optical reader?

What about if the patient can't cough a sample - what can we do?

The population groups at greater risk from TB are the young and elderly - is this true and are there any special conditions we need to be aware of when handling the RBS product with these groups?

How do we safely dispose of the sample collection tubes?

The design of the sample collection system is specifically aimed at "single use," in fact the construction is such as will render them inoperative after one use. The materials used are chosen to be highly suitable for destruction by incineration and to contain no agents that would produce any toxic residue. Disposal by this method, either in an incinerator (or a fire when used in the field) should ensure that no infective agent is left or passed on to any operative or passer by.

How often can we use the reader, and can we use it to screen for other infectious diseases?

How many readers will we need to screen a group of several hundred people - is there an optimal number of readers required for certain population groups i.e is the screening speed subject to the population group type?

Using this test, how long will it take to get a result, and how accurate will this result be?

Is the RBS test cost effective when compared with what is currently available, and thus attractive to potential purchasers?