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, increase bacteriological confirmation of TB and expand access to universal drug-susceptibility testing. It consolidates recommendations issued by WHO between 2016 and 2020 and incorporates updated recommendations published in 2021 on additional classes of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs).

The publication presents guidance on the use of molecular assays, line probe assays, loop-mediated isothermal amplification and lateral flow urine lipoarabinomannan assays for pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB in adults and children. It addresses technologies for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and resistance to rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and second-line anti-TB agents. The document also outlines the evidence review methods, implementation considerations and intended use of these diagnostic tools in different epidemiological and operational settings, particularly in resource-limited contexts.