Bhubaneswar, July 4: Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen-based skin test, also known as Cy-Tb intra-dermal test, is now available in the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital here.
The test is conducted using an indigenous kit prepared by the Serum Institute of India, Prof. (Dr.) Banani Jena, Head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine in the hospital, said while addressing a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program on Friday.
Prof. (Dr.) Jena said the test used specific antigens from Mycobacterium tuberculosis to indicate potential infection in a patient.
The test is being done in the Central Laboratory of the hospital where members of public can get themselves tested free of cost.
The CME was also addressed by Prof. (Dr.) Khirod Chandra Sahu and Prof. (Dr.) Lalit Kumar Meher.
Prof. (Dr.) Meher said any healthy person above the age of five years can undergo the test.
People belonging to a family with members suffering from asthma or tuberculosis should get themselves tested to find out if they were infected or not, Prof. (Dr.) Jena said adding persons who were diabetic or having HIV infection or battling problems in liver, kidney or lungs should undergo the test.
