PROJECT

Cost comparison of MERINAT diagnostic platforms for tuberculosis in India

January 2026 - June 2026

Objectives:

To estimate and compare the per-test costs of MERINAT, Quantiplus and Truenat for TB detection in India. To assess the incremental cost and incremental diagnostic effect measured as additional TB cases detected across platforms. To examine the influence of testing volume (throughput scenarios) on per-test costs across platforms.

Study Overview:

TB remains a major public health challenge in India, necessitating rapid, accurate and affordable diagnostic technologies for early detection. This HTA study evaluates the cost and diagnostic performance of the MERINAT and Quantiplus molecular platforms in comparison with Truenat for TB detection in India. The study estimates and compares per-test costs and incremental diagnostic effects across platforms.

Study Approach:

This study represents a partial economic evaluation within an HTA framework focusing on resource-based costing and comparison of diagnostic costs. A resource-based micro-costing approach was applied using facility-level resource utilisation and cost data supplemented by published literature and manufacturer-provided sources. A deterministic decision-tree model using TreeAge software compared diagnostic accuracy and associated costs across testing strategies using MGIT culture as the reference standard.

Expected Public Health Impact:

The findings provide evidence to inform diagnostic procurement and potential adoption of cost-efficient molecular platforms within the National TB Elimination Programme. Preliminary results indicate substantial cost savings with MERINAT and Quantiplus compared with Truenat. The study evaluates the influence of testing volume on per-test costs across platforms.