Table 3 Overview of early Xpert MTB/RIF testing approaches in nine countries
From: Results from early programmatic implementation of Xpert MTB/RIF testing in nine countries
Country | Xpert MTB/RIF testing strategy | Point-of-care (POC) or referral for treatment | Laboratory process for requesting Xpert test | Time from initial screen to Xpert + result | Time from submission of sputum for Xpert MTB/RIF test to result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bangladesh | A - Direct to Xpert for all with history of previous TB treatment | POC | Automatic in laboratory | 0-1 day | Same day |
B - Xpert following SS- results and TB Suggestive CXR | |||||
Cambodia | Xpert following positive verbal and/or CXR screens | POC | Automatic in laboratory | 0-1 day | 0-1 day |
DR Congo | Xpert following SS- results | Both, using a hub and spoke transport system to augment testing numbers | After follow up tests and review | 7-10 days | 1 day |
Kenya | Xpert following SS- results | Both, using a hub and spoke transport system to augment testing numbers | Automatic in laboratory for those with negative smear results | 1-4 days | 1 day |
Malawi | A - Direct to Xpert for all hospitalized patients with suspected TB | Both, using a hub and spoke transport system to augment testing numbers | Automatic in laboratory for those with negative smear results | 1 day for walk in patients and up to 10 days for referral patients | 0-3 days |
B Xpert following SS- results | |||||
Moldova | Direct to Xpert; parallel smear microscopy | POC at most facilities; referral at AIDS Centers | Automatic in laboratory | 0-1 days | 0-1 days |
Mozambique | Xpert following SS- results | Referral | Automatic in laboratory for those with negative smear results | Up to 7 days for referral patients | 2 days |
Nepal | Xpert following SS- results and a suggestive CXR | Both, using a hub and spoke transport system to augment testing numbers | After follow up tests and review | 1 day for walk in patients and up to 10 days for referral patients | 1-2 days |
Pakistan | A - Direct to Xpert for all with history of previous TB treatment | POC | Automatic in laboratory | 0-1 day | Same day |
B - Xpert following SS- results and TB Suggestive CXR |