World Tuberculosis Day

On World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, we emphasize the importance of precise, early diagnosis in combating this infectious disease. At Nihon Kohden, we are dedicated to leveraging advanced diagnostic technologies to support clinicians in detecting TB, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring patient responses — all in alignment with international clinical guidelines and evolving scientific research.

Epidemiology and Clinical Significance

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a significant global health threat, with 10.6 million new cases and 1.3 million deaths annually. Despite the availability of effective therapies, delayed diagnosis and suboptimal monitoring contribute to persistent transmission and the rise of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). The WHO underscores the importance of rapid, accurate diagnostics and systematic patient monitoring to achieve TB control targets.

TB Diagnostics: Nihon Kohden’s Capabilities

Our laboratory solutions are meticulously engineered to meet the needs of high-throughput labs, point-of-care testing environments, and resource-limited settings. Each device is designed to streamline workflows, increase diagnostic accuracy, and reduce turnaround times, empowering clinicians to make timely, evidence-based decisions.

• Automated Hematology Analyzers: TB can induce distinct hematological changes, such as lymphopenia, monocytosis, and elevated red cell distribution width (RDW). In addition to hematological changes, inflammatory markers like CRP and ESR may be useful in determining the progress of TB and monitoring anti-TB treatment efficacy in patients with MDR-TB [1,2]. Our analyzers offer both complete blood counts and inflammatory markers, flagging abnormal cell populations and results that provide deeper insights into the patient’s immune response. This data is invaluable for assessing disease severity and monitoring therapeutic efficacy.
• Patient Monitoring Systems: For hospitalized TB patients, continuous monitoring of vital signs is essential to detect early signs of deterioration. Our monitors provide real-time, high-accuracy data on oxygen saturation (SpO₂), respiratory rate, and capnography, supporting dynamic clinical decision-making during acute care and anti-TB treatment.

Seamless Integration for Comprehensive Care

Nihon Kohden devices are designed for full interoperability with LIS/HIS systems, enabling automated result reporting, historical data comparisons, and longitudinal patient tracking. This connectivity ensures that laboratory findings inform clinical decisions in real time, bridging the gap between diagnostics and direct patient care.

Global Collaboration and Research

As part of our commitment to eradicating TB, Nihon Kohden collaborates with global research initiatives, national TB programs, and reference laboratories to enhance diagnostic capacity worldwide. We continuously refine our technology based on the latest research and field data, ensuring our solutions evolve alongside scientific advancements and public health needs.
This World TB Day, we stand with the global health community, reaffirming our mission to deliver diagnostic excellence and contribute to the collective goal of ending TB.

For detailed information about Nihon Kohden’s TB-focused diagnostic solutions, or to schedule a consultation with our laboratory specialists, please visit our website or contact our clinical support team.
 

References: 
1- World Health Organization. The WHO/IUATLD Global Project on Anti-tuberculosis Drug Resistance Surveillance Report No. 3. 2003 Geneva WHO.
2- Khalil, Magdy M.; Halim, Hesham A.A.; Abdelazeem, Mohamed S. C-reactive protein versus erythrocyte sedimentation rate in monitoring multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. The Egyptian Journal of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis 69(3):p 458-465, Jul–Sep 2020. | DOI: 10.4103/ejcdt.ejcdt_113_19