TB Diagnostic Tests

Uses

How it works

Preparation

Risks & contraindications

Comparisons

Background

Highlighted claims

• Five approaches are evaluated for each participant: capillary blood CRP testing, individual Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra, pooled Xpert Ultra, lateral-flow urine LF-LAM, and digital chest X-ray with AI computer-aided detection. — Start4All protocol for a Bayesian cost-effectiveness model of tuberculosis screening and diagnosis in seven high burden low-income and middle-income countries
• Pooled sputum testing combines sputum samples from multiple individuals and tests them together using Xpert Ultra, usually in pools of four. — Start4All protocol for a Bayesian cost-effectiveness model of tuberculosis screening and diagnosis in seven high burden low-income and middle-income countries
• TB disease confirmation uses a microbiological reference standard: positive culture using the mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT). — Start4All protocol for a Bayesian cost-effectiveness model of tuberculosis screening and diagnosis in seven high burden low-income and middle-income countries
• Since 2011, rapid molecular tests have transformed TB diagnosis by replacing traditional dependence on microscopy and culture in many settings. — Start4All protocol for a Bayesian cost-effectiveness model of tuberculosis screening and diagnosis in seven high burden low-income and middle-income countries
• Sputum smear microscopy remains the primary diagnostic method for more than half of the TB-affected population in high-burden countries despite newer molecular options. — Start4All protocol for a Bayesian cost-effectiveness model of tuberculosis screening and diagnosis in seven high burden low-income and middle-income countries
• WHO recommends newer molecular tests as effective, rapid, and reliable, but their high cost limits widespread use. — Start4All protocol for a Bayesian cost-effectiveness model of tuberculosis screening and diagnosis in seven high burden low-income and middle-income countries