Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025
Matrix-based DNA Extraction for Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing on Decontaminated Sputum Samples
Published on: June 6, 2025
National Proficiency Testing of Molecular Diagnostics for Tuberculosis and Drug Resistance Detection - China,
Xichao Ou1, Hui Xia1, Shengfen Wang1
1National Center for Tuberculosis Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
What is already known about this topic?
Abstract:
Proficiency testing (PT) is a key component of quality assurance and is essential in ensuring accurate laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant TB. The National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL) developed a novel PT panel to test laboratories' proficiency for molecular TB diagnostic assays throughout the TB laboratory network. A total of 6 PT rounds for molecular diagnostics were conducted by NTRL from 2014 to 2019.
Abstract:
What is added by this report?
Abstract:
PT conducted using artificial sputum specimens increased from 120 in the first round to 1,835 in the sixth round. Overall, laboratories demonstrated good proficiency for MTB and drug-resistance detection by molecular diagnostics, which is evident from the qualification rates over the six rounds: 95%, 97%, 96%, 93%, 93%, and 97%, respectively.
Abstract:
What are the implications for public health practice?
Abstract:
The use of artificial sputum specimens for PT panel production to test TB molecular diagnostics in China is feasible. Most of the participating laboratories provided reliable molecular diagnostic results for MTB and drug-resistance detection. The TB laboratory network can be instrumental in implementing PT expansion and improving the quality of TB molecular diagnosis in China.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...