Rapid TB Diagnosis Using GeneXpert and GeneXpert Ultra
- April 01,2022
- 1 Min Read

Initial diagnostic tests with sample type as recommended by the WHO:(1)
PTB – Pulmonary TB; EPTB – Extrapulmonary TB
GeneXpert and GeneXpert Ultra are the recommended tests for Rapid TB Diagnosis.(1)
In case of a negative result on GeneXpert Ultra, broth-based culture can be done if there still exists a strong clinical suspicion of TB. (1)
Performance of GeneXpert & GeneXpert Ultra MTB/RIF (according to the WHO):(1)
* - Sensitivity not published by the WHO
# - Gastric aspiration is not used for adults; it can be useful in children who cannot produce sputum.
GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra is the new, next generation GeneXpert test for TB:
- Improved performance
- 10-fold improvement in the lower limit of TB detection
- Higher sensitivity, especially in smear negative cases
- Increased accuracy of rifampicin resistance results
REFERENCES
- World Health Organization. WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis: module 3: diagnosis: rapid diagnostics for tuberculosis detection [Internet]. 2021 update. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021 [cited 2022 Mar 16]. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/342331
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