Gene Xpert/MTB RIF assay for spinal tuberculosis- sensitivity, specificity and clinical utility.

Background: Xpert MTB/RIF assay is a rapid automated molecular test with excellent reported sensitivity, specificity for diagnosis of pulmonary and extrapulmonary Mycobacterium (MTB) infections. However, the clinical utility and accuracy in STB is not well established. A study was conducted to report on the sensitivity, specificity and clinical utility of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay in spinal tuberculosis (STB).