Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Resistance, Sputum
Understanding Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Resistance, Sputum
What is Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Resistance, Sputum?
The Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Resistance, Sputum test is an advanced diagnostic test that checks for the DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) in a sputum sample. It is done to find out if the TB bacteria are resistant to rifampicin, one of the main medicines used to treat TB.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, mainly affecting the lungs. It spreads through the air when someone with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to begin timely treatment and prevent the spread of the disease.
The Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Resistance, Sputum test is an advanced molecular diagnostic test designed to detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in a sputum sample. This test uses the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay on the GeneXpert Instrument System for rapid and precise detection of MTB complex DNA. If TB is detected, the test also checks for rifampicin resistance by identifying mutations in the rpoB gene. Rifampicin resistance is a key indicator of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).
This test is best suited for patients with clinical suspicion of tuberculosis (TB) when used in conjunction with clinical and other laboratory findings. Testing helps in early initiation of TB treatment and assists in guiding personalized TB therapy. Additionally, this panel aids in monitoring treatment response and assessing the risk of transmitting TB to others. This technology is highly sensitive in comparison to smear microscopy, enabling more people with MTB infections to be detected and treated earlier.
No special preparation is required for the Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Resistance, Sputum test. However, a brief clinical history is preferred during sample collection. It is essential to provide an early morning deeply coughed out sputum sample as this improves the accuracy of the test.
Laboratory test results may vary across laboratories. Do not self-medicate and always consult a doctor to understand the test results correctly.
What is Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Resistance, Sputum used for?
The Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Resistance, Sputum test is done to:
- Detect active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) infection.
- Check if the TB bacteria are resistant to rifampicin, an important first-line TB drug.
- Help doctors decide the right treatment plan, especially in suspected drug-resistant TB cases.
- Support early diagnosis and prompt treatment, reducing the risk of spreading TB.
- Provide faster and more sensitive results than traditional smear microscopy, especially helpful for people with low bacterial load (e.g., HIV-positive individuals or early-stage TB).
What does Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Resistance, Sputum measure?
The Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Resistance, Sputum test measures the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) DNA in a sputum sample using advanced molecular technology. If TB bacteria are detected, the test also checks for mutations in the rpoB gene, which are associated with resistance to rifampicin, a key first-line drug used in TB treatment. Rifampicin resistance is often an indicator of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). By detecting both the TB bacteria and potential drug resistance, the test helps in identifying not only the infection but also the type of treatment that may be required for effective management.
Frequently Asked Questions about Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Resistance, Sputum
Q. What is the Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Resistance, Sputum test?
Q. Why is this test important?
Q. What sample is required for this test?
Q. Do I need to fast before the test?
Q. Is the test painful?
Q. Who should take this test?
Q. What is rifampicin?
Q. What does rifampicin resistance mean?
Q. Is drug-resistant TB curable?
Q. Can TB come back after treatment?
Q. Can TB be prevented?
Q. How is the Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Resistance, Sputum test different from a standard TB test?
Q. How does Tata 1mg ensure accurate lab test results?
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References
- Dorman SE, Schumacher SG, Alland D, Nabeta P, Armstrong DT, King B, Hall SL, Chakravorty S, Cirillo DM, Tukvadze N, Bablishvili N, Stevens W, Scott L, Rodrigues C, Kazi MI, Joloba M, Nakiyingi L, Nicol MP, Ghebrekristos Y, Anyango I, Murithi W, Dietze R, Lyrio Peres R, Skrahina A, Auchynka V, Chopra KK, Hanif M, Liu X, Yuan X, Boehme CC, Ellner JJ, Denkinger CM; study team. Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance: a prospective multicentre diagnostic accuracy study. Lancet Infect Dis. 2018 Jan;18(1):76-84. [Accessed 08 Aug. 2025]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6168783/
- Horne DJ, Kohli M, Zifodya JS, Schiller I, Dendukuri N, Tollefson D, Schumacher SG, Ochodo EA, Pai M, Steingart KR. Xpert MTB/RIF and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Jun 7;6(6):CD009593. [Accessed 08 Aug. 2025]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6555588/
- Diagnostic performance of Xpert MTB/RIF ultra in detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rifampicin Resistance in AFB Smear-negative Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis samples in Malaysia [Internet]. ScienceDirect; [Accessed 08 Aug. 2025]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0732889324000592
- Prasad R, Gupta N, Banka A. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis: Principles of management. Lung India. 2018 Jan-Feb;35(1):78-81. [Accessed 08 Aug. 2025]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5760876/
- Tuberculosis: Multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) or rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB) [Internet]. WHO; 20 May. 2024 [Accessed 08 Aug. 2025]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/tuberculosis-multidrug-resistant-tuberculosis-(mdr-tb)
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