Medical Innovation Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (Mediven) has announced the registration of its Pluslife MiniDock MTB Test with the Malaysian Medical Device Authority (MDA), introducing a World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended molecular diagnostic tool to the Malaysian market. This development comes as Malaysia faces a significant increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases, with over 3,100 confirmed infections in the first two months of 2026.
The Pluslife MiniDock MTB Test is designed to decentralise TB detection, allowing for rapid diagnosis and treatment in community settings, prisons, and rural areas. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional laboratory infrastructure, which often delays diagnosis. The test’s portability and 30-minute turnaround time enable healthcare providers to diagnose and link patients to care within a single visit.
Professor Norazmi Mohd Nor from University Sains Malaysia highlighted the importance of early detection, stating, “Rapid molecular diagnostics such as the Pluslife MiniDock MTB Test may complement existing diagnostic approaches.” Dr. Muhammad Nazri bin Aziz from Lablink (M) Sdn. Bhd. added that decentralised testing is a “game changer,” reducing dependency on central lab infrastructure whilst maintaining high diagnostic accuracy.
The Pluslife MiniDock system also features a non-invasive tongue swab method, providing an alternative for individuals who struggle to produce sputum. This innovation is particularly beneficial in rural clinics where centralised testing is inaccessible.
The approval of this technology is a crucial step in Malaysia’s mission to eradicate TB by 2035. Mediven’s commitment to supplying the Pluslife MiniDock MTB Test aims to enhance TB control efforts across the country, supporting the Ministry of Health’s goal of ending TB transmission.
