Can a finger-prick test improve TB screening in hard-to-reach areas?
NCT ID NCT05526885
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested two ways to find tuberculosis (TB) in communities in Lesotho and South Africa. One method used a chest X-ray analyzed by computer software (CAD4TB). The other added a finger-prick blood test (CRP) for people whose X-ray results were unclear. Both methods were followed by a confirmatory test. The goal was to see if adding the blood test finds as many TB cases while being more cost-effective. About 20,000 adults took part.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could make TB screening cheaper and more accessible in high-burden communities, helping find more cases earlier.
What could go wrong
The trial is completed but results are not yet widely reported. The approach may not be as effective in other settings or populations.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for TUBERCULOSIS are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Human Sciences Research Council
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
-
SolidarMed
Maseru, Lesotho