Publications by authors named "V Iem"
Background: In 2022, fewer than half of persons with tuberculosis (TB) had access to molecular diagnostic tests for TB due to their high costs. Studies have found that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) software for chest X-ray (CXR) interpretation and sputum specimen pooling can each reduce the cost of testing. We modeled the combination of both strategies to estimate potential savings in consumables that could be used to expand access to molecular diagnostics.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) using molecular tests, such as Xpert MTB/RIF (MTB/RIF) or Xpert Ultra (Ultra). These tests are expensive and resource-consuming, and cost-effective approaches are needed for greater coverage.
Methods: We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of pooling sputum samples for TB testing by using a fixed amount of 1,000 MTB/RIF or Ultra cartridges.
Pooling sputum samples for Xpert® MTB/RIF and Xpert® Ultra testing for TB diagnosis.
Public Health Action
March 2023
Background: The use of molecular amplification as-says for TB diagnosis is limited by their costs and cartridge stocks. Pooling multiple samples to test them together is reported to have similar accuracy to individual testing and to save costs.
Methods: Two surveys of individuals with presumptive TB were conducted to assess the performance of pooled testing using Xpert® MTB/RIF (MTB/RIF) and Xpert® Ultra (Ultra).
The global Covid-19 pandemic has limited access to molecular TB diagnostics and National Programmes are struggling to maintain essential services. The pooling method (testing several samples together) could reduce the number of cartridges and staff time needed for TB diagnosis but has not been tested within the pandemic. We conducted two independent cross-sectional surveys.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated mass testing, leading to a study in Lao PDR exploring pooled testing to enhance laboratory capacity.
- In this study, 1,568 patients were tested in groups of four, resulting in a significant percentage of negative pools and a high confirmation rate of positive pools through individual testing.
- The findings indicated that pooling not only saved 67% on testing materials but also improved testing capacity, suggesting that countries could benefit from implementing pooled testing strategies for effective COVID-19 screening.