Title page
Contents
Introduction 4
Molecular tests 7
Different types of molecular testing technology are available for TB 7
The provision of molecular tests for TB 9
How local laboratories choose which molecular test to provide 9
Molecular tests and influencing patient outcome 10
Molecular tests and information on antimicrobial susceptibility 11
Other advantages of using molecular testing 12
The risks of false positive or false negative results 12
Molecular testing and traditional methods 13
Cost implications of molecular testing 13
Use of the test in patients undergoing treatment or following treatment 14
Interpreting the results of molecular tests 14
Molecular tests and typing of M. tuberculosis 15
Figure 1. Samples required for microbiological diagnosis of TB 5
Figure 2. Microbiology tests available for the diagnosis of active TB 6
Figure 3. Molecular testing 8