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Updated: Sep 27, 2025

Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis with the Xpert MTB/RIF Test
Published on: April 9, 2012
Point-of-care diagnostic tests for tuberculosis disease
Jia Mei Hong1, Hyeyoung Lee1, Nishanth V Menon2
1Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
Abstract:
Rapid diagnosis is one key pillar to end tuberculosis (TB). Point-of-care tests (POCTs) facilitate early detection, immediate treatment, and reduced transmission of TB disease. This Review evaluates current diagnostic assays endorsed by the World Health Organization and identifies the gaps between existing conventional tests and the ideal POCT. We discuss the commercial development of new rapid tests and research studies on nonsputum-based diagnostic biomarkers from both pathogen and host. Last, we highlight advances in integrated microfluidics technology that may aid the development of new POCTs.
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