BRIN Creates A 'Bit Ethhambutol,' It Is Claimed To Be The Only One In The World That Can Detection Tuberculosis In And Out Of The Lung

Head of the Radioisotop, Radiofarmaka, and Biometric Research Center (PRTRRB) of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Tita Puspitasari (left). Source: BRIN Website via ANTARA

JAKARTA - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) created a detector capable of diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) in and out of the lungs. This tool is named TB-Scan or Kit Ethhambutol. "The accuracy of this kit is more than 90 percent (in diagnosing tuberculosis)," said Head of the BRIN's Radioistotop, Radiofarmaka, and Biodesymetry Research Center (PRTRRB) Tita Puspitasari when contacted by Antara in Jakarta, Monday, October 10. In collaboration with PT Kimia Farma Tbk, BRIN launched a diagnostic non-invasive tool that can provide detection results within the four hours. Tita claims TB-Scan as the only product in the world today that can diagnose tuberculosis in and out of the lungs. He said the currently available method of detection of TB Mycobacterium tuberculosis can only be used to detect TB infections in the lung organ, while TB infections outside the lungs are difficult to carry out. In addition to infecting the lungs, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria also attack other organs such as the brain, bones, lymph nodes, and joints. Head of the Radioisotop, Radiofarmaka, and Biometric Research Center (PRTRRB) of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Tita Puspitasari Tita hopes that TB-Scan can be used by the wider community both at home and abroad. "As the only and first product in the world by the work of the nation's children, it is a matter of pride for Indonesia if this product can be commercialized both for domestic and foreign needs," he said. The development of TB-Scan or Kit Ethambutol began in 2015. The implementation of clinical trials of the device was carried out by BRIN in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, Padjajaran University and Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung. The product has a distribution permit from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) with the number DKL2112432144A1 on February 22, 2021. Currently, several hospitals have ordered TB-Scan products, including the Kariadi Central General Hospital (RSUP), H Adam Malik Hospital, Army Central Hospital (RSPAD) Gatot Soebroto, and MRCC Siloam Hospital.