Sir, the recent report on “GeneXpert in the diagnosis of smear-negative PTB” is very interesting [1]. As Nakiyingi et al. noted, the concern on cost effectiveness on this new TB diagnostic tool is needed [1]. In fact, the cost effectiveness of the test is still controversial issue [2]. The value seems dependent to the setting [2 – 3]. Also, Nakiyingi et al. raised an important point that GeneXpert can help fasten diagnosis. However, it is questionable whether we actually need such a very fast result. The GeneXpert might not add any important clinical usefulness to the use of classical culture.
References
- 1.Nakiyingi L, Nankabirwa H, Lamorde M. Tuberculosis diagnosis in resource-limited settings: Clinical use of GeneXpert in the diagnosis of smear-negative PTB: a case report. Afr Health Sci. 2013 Jun;13(2):522–524. doi: 10.4314/ahs.v13i2.46. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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