Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a species of pathogenic bacteria in the family Mycobacteriaceae and the causative agent of tuberculosis. The most frequently used diagnostic methods for tuberculosis are the tuberculin skin test, acid-fast stain, culture, and polymerase chain reaction.
The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is a new test that is revolutionizing tuberculosis (TB) control by contributing to the rapid diagnosis of TB disease and drug resistance. The test simultaneously detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and resistance to rifampin (RIF) in less than 2 hours.
Results from the Xpert MTB/RIF assay indicate whether or not MTBC was detected in the sample. In some instances, the result is “invalid,” whereby the test should be repeated. If MTBC was detected, the results will also state whether resistance to RIF was
Detected,
Not detected, or
Indeterminate.
