Novel multi-day sputum transport reagent works with routine tuberculosis tests and eliminates need for cold chain: Preliminary study of compatibility with the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay.
OMNIgene®•SPUTUM (OM-S) is a sputum transport reagent designed to work with all tuberculosis diagnostics and eliminate the need for cold chain. The aim of this preliminary study was to assess the compatibility of OM-S-treated sputum with the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay. Fifty-five characterized sputa from the FIND TB Specimen Bank were used. Compatibility of OM-S was assessed for both Xpert sample preparation methods: H.1 protocol (sediment, n=25) and H.2 protocol (direct expectorate, n=30). All controls were prepared using the H.2 protocol. Results revealed 100% concordance of MTB/RIF results for all except the low-positive group in the H.1 study arm (n=10; 88% concordance). OM-S-treated sputa were successful in both protocols; if the Xpert buffer is not added during the H.2 procedure, sample viscosity may require repeat testing. Using OM-S could offer users flexibility in clinical testing algorithms. Larger compatibility studies are warranted, particularly with respect to MTB/RIF results for low-positive samples.
DNA Genotek, 3000 - 500 Palladium Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K2V 1C2. Electronic address: cassandra.kelly-cirino@dnagenotek.com.
Cassandra D
CD
Kelly-Cirino
DNA Genotek, 3000 - 500 Palladium Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K2V 1C2. Electronic address: pat.curry@dnagenotek.com.
Patricia S
PS
Curry
Mycobacteriology Laboratory, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO, USA. Electronic address: MarolaJ@NJHealth.org.
Jamie L
JL
Marola
Mycobacteriology Laboratory, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO, USA. Electronic address: HelstromN@NJHealth.org.
Niels K
NK
Helstrom
Mycobacteriology Laboratory, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO, USA. Electronic address: salfingerm@NJHealth.org.
Max
M
Salfinger
D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology*; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis*
D007202:Indicators and Reagents
Cepheid® GeneXpert®; OMNIgene®•SPUTUM; TB diagnostics; Xpert® MTB/RIF assay; centralized testing; sputum transport