Xpert MTB/RIF

• The End TB Strategy calls for universal drug-susceptibility testing which will likely only be feasible with a test such as Xpert MTB/RIF or another similar test that can be used outside a reference laboratory.

WHO Guidance recommends Xpert MTB/RIF
• Should be used rather than conventional microscopy, culture, and drug susceptibility testing as the initial diagnostic test in individuals (adults and children) presumed to have MDR or HIV-associated tuberculosis;
• May be used rather than microscopy and culture as the initial diagnostic test in all adults or children presumed to have tuberculosis where resources allow.

• In 2016, two new assays are expected to be available with the GeneXpert platform. One is expected to have higher sensitivity that approaches liquid culture to replace MTB/RIF, and the other assay will have multiple DST capabilities.
• A Xpert test for HIV viral load is also expected shortly.