A TB programme in a sub-Saharan African country uses GeneXpert MTB/RIF as the initial diagnostic test. What is the primary advantage of GeneXpert over...

Question

A TB programme in a sub-Saharan African country uses GeneXpert MTB/RIF as the initial diagnostic test. What is the primary advantage of GeneXpert over sputum smear microscopy?

Accepted Answer

It provides results in under 2 hours and simultaneously detects rifampicin resistance

Answer

It can detect all species of mycobacteria

Answer

It is cheaper than Ziehl-Neelsen microscopy

Answer

It does not require electricity or any laboratory infrastructure

Answer

It has 100% sensitivity for smear-negative TB

uk-dtmh MCQ (SBA): TB Diagnosis

A TB programme in a sub-Saharan African country uses GeneXpert MTB/RIF as the initial diagnostic test. What is the primary advantage of GeneXpert over sputum smear microscopy?