The development and implementation of a proficiency testing program for SARS-CoV-2 using dried tube specimens in resource-limited countries.

Introduction: When COVID-19 hit the world in 2019, an enhanced focus on diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 was essential for a successful pandemic response. Testing laboratories stretched their capabilities for the new coronavirus by adopting different test methods. The necessity of having external quality assurance (EQA) mechanisms was even more critical due to this rapid expansion.

Performance evaluation of Truenat MTB and Truenat MTB-RIF DX assays in comparison to gene XPERT MTB/RIF ultra for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in Uganda.

Background: The World Health Organization endorsed Truenat MTB rapid molecular assay in 2020 and recommended additional in-country evaluation studies before uptake. We evaluated the accuracy and operational feasibility of Truenat MTB assay (Truenat) in comparison with GeneXpert Ultra and culture.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 250 presumptive TB patients, participants were requested to provide a sputum sample on the day of their visit to the clinic.

Evaluation of Xpert MTB/XDR test for susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to first and second-line drugs in Uganda.

Background: Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is one of the major challenges to TB control.

Design And Methods: This was a blinded, laboratory-based cross-sectional study using sputum samples or culture isolates. Samples were from patients with rifampicin-resistant-TB and/or with high risk for isoniazid (INH) resistance and/or 2nd line fluoroquinolones (FQ) and injectable agents (IAs).

Impact of randomized blinded rechecking program on the performance of the AFB Microscopy Laboratory Network in Uganda: a decadal retrospective study.

Background: Smear microscopy has remained the initial diagnostic test for presumptive tuberculosis (TB) patients in health facilities without the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended rapid diagnostic tools. In the Uganda TB laboratory network, the technique remains the only tool to monitor response to treatment among drug susceptible TB patients, with the country currently having over 1,600 microscopy TB testing units. It has been evidenced that acid-fast bacilli (AFB) microscopy's yield highly depends on the staining technique and reading ability of the laboratory personnel.

Comparison of tests done, and tuberculosis cases detected by Xpert® MTB/RIF and Xpert® MTB/RIF-Ultra in Uganda.

Background: Uganda introduced Xpert® MTB/RIF assay into its TB diagnostic algorithm in January 2012. In July 2018, this assay was replaced with Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra assay. We set out to compare the tests done and tuberculosis cases detected by Xpert® MTB/RIF and Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra assay in Uganda.