Expanding Access to TB Testing

WHO recommends near point-of-care tests, tongue swabs, and pooling strategies

April 14, 2026
2 min

The Pathologist

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The World Health Organization has released new tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic recommendations that enhance detection methods across healthcare settings. Key advancements include near point-of-care molecular tests for rapid diagnosis, tongue swabs for easier specimen collection, and sputum pooling techniques to optimize resource use. These measures aim to decentralize testing and improve access for underdiagnosed populations. Future guidance will support the integration of these advancements into national TB programs, enhancing efficiency and accessibility.