Jul 112011
The new Xpert rapid MTB/RIF test is proving incredibly helpful in high-prevalence TB areas, esp. when HIV is also prevalent (i.e., Africa) and where delaying treatment for culture allows unchecked spread of TB. Sensitivity/specificity 95-99%, with a 55% sensitivity in smear-negative, culture-positive cases, report Theron et al. AJRCCM 2011;184:132-140.
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