July 2021 LabCoP Extended ECHO Session: Innovating for Tuberculosis Diagnostics: MTB/XDR Assays and Considerations for Implementation

July 2021 LabCoP Extended ECHO Session: Innovating for Tuberculosis Diagnostics: MTB/XDR Assays and Considerations for Implementation

July 2021 LabCoP Extended ECHO Session: Innovating for Tuberculosis Diagnostics: MTB/XDR Assays and Considerations for Implementation

On 15 July 2021 this Extended ECHO session was convened to discuss the WHO`s End TB Strategy that requires universal drug susceptibility testing and treatment of all tuberculosis case. Fewer than desired drug-resistant tuberculosis cases receive appropriate treatment due to either limited access to or sophisticated laboratory infrastructure needs. This webinar provided details on the performance of Xpert® MTB/XDR assay, which has been developed to help overcome these limitations, and covered the assay implementation considerations. The session was moderated by ASLM’s Dr Collins Otieno, LabCoP Project Lead, while the presentations were made by Ms Anura David, R&D Project Manager, National Priority Programs, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) and Wits Health Consortium; and Dr Pedro Da Silva, Pathologist and Operations Manager, National Priority Programs, NHLS. The session included a demonstration of a similar performance of Xpert® MTB/XDR against standard protocols across key criteria. Key considerations for practical implementation were also shared and included disease epidemiology, local diagnostic algorithm, existing instrumentation and cost. The session provides great information and guidance to research and implementation program teams supporting TB diagnostics and care. Please follow the links to view the recorded session, download the presentation slides and Q&A. Please note that ASLM does not endorse specific manufacturers over others. This session is for informational purposes only.