A high burden human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis resource limited setting, gains from Including xpert MTB/RIF in the diagnostic algorithm of fluid specimens submitted for exclusion of lymphoma by immunophenotypic analysis

Abstract

This study investigated the benefit of incorporating Xpert MTB/RIF into the diagnostic algorithm of fluid specimens received for immunophenotypic analysis to exclude lymphoma. It was found that in a high burden HIV/TB setting, like South Africa, 130/229 (57%) of fluid specimens referred for immunophenotypic analysis to exclude lymphoma are not referred for concurrent MTBC liquid culture testing by the treating clinician. Of 99/229 (43%) specimens with corresponding culture results, Xpert sensitivity and specificity were 50% (CI:26-75%) and 99% (CI:91-100%) respectively. This demonstrates that incorporation of Xpert into the laboratory diagnostic algorithm in the immunophenotypic laboratory would improve patient work-up and care.