Evaluation of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a public health challenge globally, and molecular testing is recommended to expedite diagnosis. Concerns that Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Xpert) may be less sensitive when testing paucibacillary samples led to the development of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay (Ultra). We evaluated the performance of Ultra against Xpert on clinical samples sent to the national reference laboratory in Singapore.