Mobile digital x-ray and portable cartridge based nucleic acid amplification test machines for point-of-care diagnosis of TB in rural India

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2021 Aug 2;115(8):937-939. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/traa152.

Abstract

Background: There is no experience of point-of-care (POC) microbiological confirmation for TB in India in field settings.

Methods: Under the TB-Free Haryana project, a mobile van-mounted digital x-ray and portable GeneXpert system screened all presumptive TB patients with strong clinic-radiological suspicion for TB.

Results: Of 1673 x-rays, 215 (13%) had findings suggestive of TB, 109 had strong clinical suspicion and were eligible for POC GeneXpert, in whom a test was performed in 82 (75%) cases; 59 (72%) tested positive and were initiated on treatment within 24 h.

Conclusions: A mobile van equipped with digital x-ray and POC GeneXpert is feasible and has a good success rate with potential for replication.

Keywords: CBNAAT Edge; GeneXpert; active case finding; digital chest x-ray; point-of-care test.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • India
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques*
  • Point-of-Care Systems*
  • Rural Population
  • X-Rays