Impact of repeat testing in tuberculosis patients with a trace call on Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to see if rifampicin susceptibility can be determined on repeat sampling in pulmonary tuberculosis with a trace call on the first GeneXpert Ultra report. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adults with a GeneXpert Ultra trace call in the first respiratory sample from January 2021 to June 2024. Results: Of the 27 patients with repeat sampling done after the initial trace call, rifampicin susceptibility could be determined in 37% (n=10) of patients. Conclusions: Repeating GeneXpert Ultra testing in patients with an initial trace call is valuable for determining rifampicin susceptibility.