Utility of Xpert(R) MTB/RIF assay for extrapulmonary tuberculosis, a two year study

Conclusion: Xpert® MTB/RIF assay is an efficient, reliable and fast technique with good potential in rapid diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in pyogenic body fluids. But in others (pleural fluid, ascitic fluid, CSF, gastric aspirate) it is not sensitive, efficient and cost-effective to be recommended for diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.However, it significantly reduces the time compared to culture methods in making diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Therefore it can be used routinely in diagnosing extrapulmonary tuberculosis but there is still a scope of further research for more reliable, sensitive and specific investigation of choice.
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Tuberculosis Source Type: research