Developing a new urine test for diagnosing tuberculosis in low-resource settings

Flow Direct: Next Generation Urine LFA for TB Diagnosis in Point-of-Care Settings

NIH-funded research Salus Discovery, LLC · NIH-11006515

This study is working on a new, easy-to-use urine test for tuberculosis that costs less than $2, so people in low-income areas can get quick and accurate results to help them get the treatment they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSalus Discovery, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11006515 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating an affordable and effective urine-based test for tuberculosis (TB) that can be used in point-of-care settings, particularly in low-income countries. The goal is to develop a lateral flow assay (LFA) that is simple to use and costs less than $2, making it accessible for populations that currently lack adequate testing options. By improving the sensitivity of TB diagnostics, this project aims to ensure that more patients can receive timely and accurate diagnoses, ultimately leading to better treatment outcomes. The research will involve testing the new assay's performance against existing methods to ensure its reliability and effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who are at risk for tuberculosis, particularly in low-income countries.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for tuberculosis or those who have access to existing high-quality TB testing may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to accurate TB testing for patients in low-resource settings, potentially saving lives.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with similar approaches in developing low-cost diagnostic tests for other diseases, indicating potential for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Madison, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.