Diagnostic Efficacy, Sensitivity, and Specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF Assay for Spinal Tuberculosis and Rifampicin Resistance

Conclusion. The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is an efficient technique for the rapid diagnosis of spinal TB; however, a clinician should not solely rely on it for starting ATT. As there are false results also with this test which should be read cautiously and be well correlated with culture and DST pattern to guide the start of sensitive drug regimen only. The purpose is to prevent exposure of the second line drugs to false cases found on the Xpert MTB/RIF assay and avoid emergence of new acquired drug resistance. Level of Evidence: 4
Source: Spine - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: CLINICAL CASE SERIES Source Type: research