The Non-Sputum Frontier: Tongue Swabs and Urine LAM Tests
A major milestone in 2026 is the successful implementation of non-sputum-based diagnostics. This is essential for patients who cannot produce a quality sputum sample, such as children and those with extrapulmonary TB.
Tongue Swab Sampling: Molecular testing of tongue swabs has proven highly effective. It offers a non-invasive, easy-to-collect alternative that is particularly useful for pediatric screening and in-home testing of household contacts.
Next-Generation LAM Tests: New urine-based Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) assays (such as the SILVAMP TB LAM) have improved sensitivity. These tests detect TB antigens shed into the urine, providing a true point-of-care solution that works independently of a patient’s HIV status.
Transcriptomic Blood Tests: Fingerstick blood tests that analyze "host-response" gene signatures are now used to differentiate between latent infection and active disease.