New blood and urine tests to diagnose tuberculosis outside the lungs

This research study is testing whether certain biomarkers—measurable substances found in blood and urine—can better diagnose and track extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB that develops outside the lungs). Researchers are looking for more reliable ways to identify this form of TB because current tests often miss it, especially in areas with limited medical resources. The study will compare these new biomarkers against traditional diagnostic methods to see if they work better.

Extrapulmonary TB is difficult to diagnose with standard tests, which means many patients go undiagnosed or receive treatment too late. In Kenya and other high-burden regions, this delayed diagnosis leads to serious illness and death. This study aims to fill that gap by developing faster, more accurate diagnostic methods that can work in settings with limited laboratory equipment.