T‑SPOT.TB is a revolutionary in vitro diagnostic that measures T cells specific to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) antigens. Based on the pioneering T-SPOT technology, it was developed for diagnosing both latent TB infection and TB disease in humans. T-SPOT.TB sets new clinical standards of sensitivity and reliability, even in the immunocompromised. The product was licensed across Europe in July 2004 and is expected to replace the current tuberculin skin test, bringing effective TB testing to many new patient groups where the skin test gives poor or indeterminate results.

This revolutionary technology has been tested in over 5,000 patients in 11 different countries (see clinical information). These studies have shown the excellent sensitivity and specificity of T‑SPOT.TB and demonstrate its utility for the diagnosis and control of TB around the world, especially for latent TB infection in the developed world.

The test offers hope at a time when TB has re-emerged as a major global health threat. Nearly one third of the world's population is infected with MTB. Eight million people develop TB disease every year and TB kills an estimated 2-3 million people each year (one person every 15 seconds). The huge toll of TB on human life prompted the World Health Organisation to declare TB a "global emergency" in 1993.