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New molecular diagnostics are increasingly available that will dramatically reduce the time needed to diagnose MDR-TB.
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One or more positive smear exams, or a positive Xpert MTB/RIF test is sufficient to diagnose a case and patients should be categorized according to the disease site, bacteriology, history of previously treated TB and severity of disease.
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Once a patient is confirmed to have TB, the proper case reporting must be done and a contact investigation should be carried out primarily looking for children under 5 and adults with TB symptoms for further testing and possible preventive treatment.
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