Automated real-time nucleic acid amplification technology for rapid and simultaneous detection of tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance: Xpert MTB/RIF system: policy statement

Overview

Earlier and improved tuberculosis (TB) case detection - including smear-negative disease, often associated with HIV co-infection - as well as expanded capacity to diagnose multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) are global priorities for TB control. Conventional laboratory methods are slow and cumbersome and novel technologies for rapid detection are therefore the focus of TB research and development.

A Global Consultation called by WHO in December 2010 discussed the implementation considerations for scale-up of Xpert MTB/RIF and achieved broad consensus on the way forward. Key outcomes of the consultation were agreement on interim diagnostic algorithms, the positioning of Xpert MTB/RIF in risk groups at different levels of health services, and i NPV for rifampicin resistance: the proportion of diagnosed rifampicin-susceptible cases that are truly susceptible ii PPV for rifampicin resistance: the proportion of diagnosed rifampicin-resistant cases that are truly resistant implementation considerations for programmatic roll-out of Xpert MTB/RIF to optimize use and benefits of the technology.