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  • Order (or refer to the appropriate facility for) the necessary diagnostic tests including sputum smears, chest x-rays, Xpert MTB/RIF M. tuberculosis culture and/or line probe assay to correctly diagnose all forms of TB including pulmonary, sputum smear-negative, extrapulmonary, drug-resistant, HIV-associated and pediatric TB. (Standards 4, 5 and 11)

  • Ensure that in the diagnosis of children with suspected TB, bacteriologic confirmation is sought through examination of sputum for Xpert MTB/RIF and/or culture. In the event of negative bacteriologic results diagnosis should be based on the finding of chest radiographic abnormalities consistent with TB and either a history of exposure to an infectious case or evidence of TB infection (positive tuberculin skin test or interferon gamma release assay). (Standard 6)
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