cst checkout next week at 2.11, page-5

re: another step along the road G'day Meerkat,

I could write an essay in answer to your question but I won't. So, briefly.

1. It has taken a long time in the US because like all medical procedures it has had to go through a whole series of trials and approvals. Being in the hands of beaurocrats can be frustrating, I know. However, we now have nearly everything in place and are just awaiting the imminent updated CDC guidelines. Note however, that the fact that the CDC guidelines have not yet been published does not stop usage in the US. Virtually every day now we are discovering new users and new laboratories that have taken up QFT. This take-up will accelerate once the CDC guidelines are published.

Europe is also well on track. Germany, in particular, are now using QFT extensively.

Japan approvals are in place and at least one initial major stocking order has been filled. Next April when the new TB guidelines are published, QuantiFERON will be included as the preferred test.

2. The need?

Simple ... 2m people die from (curable) TB each year.

We will all wake up one day and suddenly realize that CSTs ambitions have come to fruition. That day will not be far away.