Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests for Diagnosing TB

In a large urban health system, NAA tests of respiratory samples showed at least 95% sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing TB.

Two rapid diagnostic tests based on nucleic acid amplification (NAA) technology are licensed in the U.S. for the diagnosis of TB. Several studies have shown that, when used on acid-fast-bacilli (AFB) smear–positive respiratory tract specimens, such tests have a sensitivity of 73% to 100% and a specificity of 96% to 100%. To examine the performance of NAA tests under field conditions in a large urban setting, researchers conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene TB registry.

From 2000 through 2004, 16,511 patients had respiratory samples sent for TB analysis. Among the 2021 who received a TB diagnosis based solely on a positive culture, NAA testing had a sensitivity of 95.0% a…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)