ML Flow Rapid Test (Anti-PGL-I)

An immunochromatographic strip assay for anti-PGL-I IgM using whole blood or serum, read visually within ten minutes. It has been evaluated extensively under field conditions in Brazil and Bangladesh. Since 2023 it has been made by Bioclin in Brazil as Bioclin Fast ML Flow Hanseníase, after technology transfer from the Federal University of Goiás, and supplied to the public health system.

Technology

Serology (Antibody) · Lateral flow

What it measures

IgM against ND-O-BSA (PGL-I mimetic)

Developer

KIT Biomedical Research, Royal Tropical Institute (Amsterdam, the Netherlands), with the Federal University of Goiás (Brazil)

Specimen

Capillary blood

Development status

Nationally registered with clinical validation

Regulatory status

National approval

Intended use

Field detection of anti-PGL-I response in contacts and suspected cases

Main limitation

Specificity is below the profile minimum, and the test is insensitive in paucibacillary disease.

Availability

Available. Made in Brazil by Bioclin (Quibasa Química Básica, Belo Horizonte) as Bioclin Fast ML Flow Hanseníase and listed on the FIND DxConnect Marketplace (checked 18 September 2026).

Linked publications

42

Manufacturers and partners

Bioclin, Quibasa Química Básica (Belo Horizonte, Brazil), Merck S.A. (Brazil)

TPP-1, confirming leprosy

62.5 of 100, partial alignment

TPP-2, infection in contacts

64.0 of 100, partial alignment

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