Life-saving diagnostics not always reliable under tropical conditions

ITM researchers discovered that some blood culture bottles fail prematurely under tropical conditions, while others remain effective for longer than indicated. This has significant implications for diagnoses and treatment in LMICs, where laboratories often face extreme temperatures and high humidity. The study calls for manufacturers to conduct more rigorous testing and implement realistic expiry dates. Such improvements would not only enhance access to life-saving diagnostics but also help reduce medical waste.

The study tested five brands of blood culture bottles in tropical conditions, simulating 45°C and 90% humidity. The results were striking: some brands performed exceptionally well, while others failed even before their stated expiry date. By contrast, many bottles lasted longer than labelled when stored at room temperature.

"Our research shows that manufacturers need to test their products under a variety of conditions so that they can be used effectively worldwide," says Liselotte Hardy, professor Tropical Bacteriology at ITM and head researcher of the study.