Sensitive and Feasible Specimen Collection and Testing Strategies for Diagnosing Tuberculosis in Young Children

Abstract

NPA, in duplicate or in combination with stool or urine specimens, was readily obtainable and had diagnostic yield comparable with reference-standard specimens. This combination could improve tuberculosis diagnosis among children in resource-limited settings. Combining GA and NPA had greater yield than that of the current reference standards and may be useful in certain clinical and research settings.