Using Xpert MTB/RIF

Title:Using Xpert MTB/RIF

Volume: 9 Issue: 3

Author(s): Mark P. Nicol, Andrew Whitelaw and Wendy Stevens

Affiliation:

Keywords: Cost-effectiveness, detection, diagnosis, rifampicin, tuberculosis, Xpert MTB/RIF.

Abstract: Xpert MTB/RIF is an automated real-time polymerase chain reaction test for simultaneous detection of tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance. Xpert MTB/RIF has demonstrated excellent accuracy in clinical evaluation studies, but has reduced sensitivity for detection of smear-negative tuberculosis. Since sample processing and detection are largely automated, Xpert MTB/RIF is potentially suitable for implementation in resource-limited settings. There are, however, a number of practical constraints to the use of Xpert at the point-of-care. Xpert remains a relatively costly test, and clear demonstration of cost-effectiveness will be needed to support efforts to scale up testing in high burden countries.

Cite this article as:

Nicol P. Mark, Whitelaw Andrew and Stevens Wendy, Using Xpert MTB/RIF, Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews 2013; 9 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1573398X113099990015