FIG 1.

Workflows for each platform for the detection of the M. tuberculosis complex. Each instrument runs the number of samples per run as indicated. Additionally, one positive and one negative control were included in the run, except for the BD Max MDR-TB assay, which does not include external controls. A sample processing control is included in each BD Max MDR-TB run. Run times indicated are for a run with the maximum number of samples. Sonication for the Roche product is done on a separate, dedicated instrument for one sample at a time; centrifugation is done at 3,000 × g. Note that the Roche and BD instruments are fully integrated, whereas for the Hain Lifescience and Abbott assays, two separate instruments are used (one for DNA extraction and one for amplification and detection), with a manual transfer step in between. MIS, microbial inactivation solution; IR, inactivation reagent.