Diagnostic accuracy of swab-based molecular tests for tuberculosis using near-point-of-care platforms: a multi-country evaluation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Swab-based molecular tests are emerging as more accessible and lower-cost options for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. We conducted multi-country diagnostic accuracy evaluations of late prototype versions of Truenat MTB Ultima (MTB Ultima) and MiniDock MTB Test (MiniDock MTB).

Methods

We enrolled consecutive people aged ≥12 years with presumptive TB at outpatient clinics in India, Uganda, and Vietnam. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of MTB Ultima and MiniDock MTB when using tongue and sputum swabs against a sputum liquid culture-based microbiological reference standard. Additionally, we compared the diagnostic accuracy of the swab-based molecular tests with that of sputum Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert) and sputum smear microscopy.

Findings

From January to Sep

SUBMITTER: Steadman A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12617638 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature