Heidi Albert

TL;DR: The Xpert MTB/RIF test can effectively be used in low-resource settings to simplify patients' access to early and accurate diagnosis, thereby potentially decreasing morbidity associated with diagnostic delay, dropout and mistreatment.

TL;DR: This molecular assay is a highly accurate screening tool for MDR TB, which achieves a substantial reduction in diagnostic delay, with overall performance characteristics that are superior to conventional culture and drug susceptibility testing and the possibility for high throughput with substantial cost savings.

TL;DR: A comprehensive diagnostic solution approach including systems strengthening is essential for TB diagnostics impact, including increased engagement of in-country stakeholders for product launch and roll-out, broader systems strengthening in preparation for new technologies, as well as quality impact data from programmatic settings.

TL;DR: LPA is an appropriate tool for rapid screening for MDR-TB in Uganda and has the potential to substantially reduce the turnaround time of DST results.

TL;DR: Xpert MTB/RIF facilitated more accurate and earlier TB diagnosis, leading to a higher proportion of TB suspects with a confirmed TB diagnosis prior to hospital discharge in a high HIV/low MDR TB prevalence setting, but the study did not detect a decrease in two-month mortality following implementation.