Análise de custos de um teste de amplificação de ácido nucleico para o diagnóstico da tuberculose pulmonar sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde

Abstract

We estimated the costs of a molecular test for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and resistance to rifampin (Xpert MTB/RIF) and of smear microscopy, within the Brazilian Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS, Unified Health Care System). In SUS laboratories in the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Manaus, we performed activity-based costing and micro-costing. The mean unit costs for Xpert MTB/RIF and smear microscopy were R$35.57 and R$14.16, respectively. The major cost drivers for Xpert MTB/RIF and smear microscopy were consumables/reagents and staff, respectively. These results might facilitate future costeffectiveness studies and inform the decision-making process regarding the expansion of Xpert MTB/RIF use in Brazil.