A new machine designed to expedite disease testing is set to be introduced at the County of San Diego's Public Health Lab. This development aims to enhance the efficiency of epidemiologists in combating disease spread. The County Board of Supervisors has approved a budget of $240,000 for acquiring a Diasorin Liaison XL along with necessary supplies and equipment.
This piece of equipment, comparable in size to a golf cart, can test for diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), chickenpox, shingles, measles, mumps, and rubella. The faster testing capability is crucial as local TB cases are on the rise.
The automation features of the machine reduce staff hands-on time by 75 percent. The Diasorin Liaison XL will become operational when the new county Public Health Lab opens in late spring 2025.
Unlike traditional skin tests for TB, this machine uses blood samples to diagnose latent TB infection. Dr. Ankita Kadakia, MD, County interim public health officer, stated: "The biggest challenge in preventing TB is that many people are unaware they have it." She added that "latent or dormant TB can be easily treated," but about 85% of active TB cases originate from untreated latent infections.
Dr. Kadakia highlighted that latent TB remains inactive until conditions like immune suppression trigger its activation into an active disease form. An estimated 175,000 individuals in San Diego County have latent TB infections.
The introduction of this machine is expected to increase testing numbers for TB and uncover more undiagnosed infections allowing more people access to treatment.
For further information, visit the County’s Public Health Lab webpage and Tuberculosis webpage.
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