Improving tuberculosis management in prisons: Impact of a rapid molecular point-of-care test

Summary Objective To improve tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in prison, we evaluate the value of XpertⓇMTB/RIF Ultra assay (Xpert) as point-of-care (POC) a French prison hospital. Methods We first validated Xpert use on raw sputum at referent laboratory. Secondly, trained physicians hospital performed tests for each patient presenting TB symptoms. The results were compared with Xpert, microscopic examination, culture and drug susceptibility testing corresponding decontaminated specimens. Results 76 inmates included 15 months 21 diagnosed TB. overall sensitivity, specificity, positive negative predictive values respectively: 92.3%, 100%, 100% 98.7% sputum. efficiency molecular POC was confirmed by concordance 97% between findings from results. Delay microbiological reduced about 18 days 13 smear-negative that avoid mobilization major means (escort, transport) to perform fibroscopic samples. Repeated helped speed lifting inmate isolation. Conclusions implementation could optimize management incarcerated patients thus limit spread among inmates, carers other staff.