Diagnostic value of Gene Xpert MTB/RIF test in tuberculosis

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of Gene Xpert MTB/RIF test for tuberculosis. Methods A total of 92 patients who were suspected of having tuberculosis (TB) at their first visit to Beijing United Family Hospital from January 2017 to January 2019 were selected.Specimens of the patients were collected for acid-fast smear microscopic examination,liquid mycobacterium culture and Gene Xpert MTB/RIF detection.The sensitivity and specificity of Gene Xpert MTB/RIF technique by clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis was evaluated. Results Among 92 cases with suspected tuberculosis,10 cases were diagnosed as TB.The positive rate of acid-fast smear microscopy,liquid mycobacterial culture and Gene Xpert MTB/RIF was 5.4% (5/92),12.0% (11/92) and 8.7% (8/92),respectively,and the sensitivity and specificity of acid-fast smear microscopy was 30% and 97.6%,it was 70% and 95.1% for liquid mycobacteria,80.0% and 100.0% for MTB/RIF.The reliability analysis including agreement and consistency,both confirmed the three methods were all consistent with clinical diagnosis. Conclusion Gene Xpert MTB/RIF technology shows high sensitivity and specificity,which has important value for early diagnosis and timely treatment of tuberculosis.