WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis: module 3: diagnosis: rapid diagnostics for tuberculosis detection

This consolidated WHO guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on rapid diagnostic technologies for the detection of tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant TB. Developed within the framework of the WHO End TB Strategy and global commitments adopted at the 2018 United Nations high-level meeting on TB, the document supports efforts to improve early diagnosis and expand access to universal drug-susceptibility testing. It consolidates recommendations issued by WHO between 2016 and 2020 concerning molecular assays, line probe assays, loop-mediated isothermal amplification and lateral flow urine lipoarabinomannan assays.

The publication describes the use of diagnostic tools for pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB in adults and children, including assays for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and resistance to rifampicin and other anti-TB medicines. It presents recommendations on Xpert MTB/RIF, Xpert Ultra, Truenat assays, first-line and second-line line probe assays, TB-LAMP and urinary LAM testing in people living with HIV. The document also outlines the scope of the guidelines, target users, evidence review methods and operational considerations relevant to implementation in resource-limited settings.