What is this test?
The Gene-xpert test is a molecular test for diagnosis of TB by detecting the presence of TB bacteria, as well as testing for resistance to Tuberculosis drugs.
 
Sample required
Sputum.
 
Patient preparation
Early morning samples are preferred.
 
Turn-around time (How long does it take?)
5 working days.
 
Basis of the Test
An MTb nucleic acid amplification test used to accurately and rapidly diagnose Tuberculosis (TB). Gene X-pert is catridge-based nucleic acid amplification test for simultaneous rapid TB diagnosis and antibiotic sensitivity testing. It is an automated rapid diagnostic test that detects the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (The cause of tuberculosis) DNA and resistance to Rifampicin (One of the core drugs in the treatment of TB).