Letters
Diagnosis of tuberculosis
Time to debate rapid molecular testing for tuberculosis?
BMJ 2012; 345 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e7814 (Published 19 November 2012) Cite this as: BMJ 2012;345:e7814
- Benjamin J Parcell, specialty trainee year 4, medical microbiology1,
- Michael Lockhart, consultant microbiologist1
- 1NHS Tayside, Medical Microbiology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- b.parcell{at}nhs.net
The diagnosis of tuberculosis is challenging.1 The sensitivity of microscopy and smear positivity in diagnosing respiratory tuberculosis is only 57-81%.2 The World Health Organization’s action plan to combat multidrug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis includes the use of rapid molecular diagnostic tests for MDR tuberculosis in all appropriate patients by the end of 2013.3 Current National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance recommends …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £138 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£23 / $37 / €30 (inc. VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.