WHO operational handbook on tuberculosis: module 3: diagnosis: rapid diagnostics for tuberculosis detection: web annex D: evidence synthesis and analysis

This web annex accompanies the third edition of the WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis, Module 3: Diagnosis, and presents the evidence synthesis and analyses that informed recommendations on rapid diagnostic technologies for tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant TB detection. The publication compiles systematic reviews, meta-analyses, qualitative evidence syntheses and economic evaluations assessing the diagnostic accuracy, clinical impact, feasibility and user perspectives associated with molecular assays and other WHO-recommended rapid tests, including Xpert MTB/RIF, Xpert Ultra, Truenat assays, LF-LAM, line probe assays and targeted next-generation sequencing technologies.

The document evaluates the performance of diagnostic tools for pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB, rifampicin resistance and resistance to additional anti-TB medicines across adult and paediatric populations, including people living with HIV. It also examines patient-important outcomes, implementation considerations, laboratory and health system implications, and stakeholder experiences with diagnostic technologies. The annex is intended to support evidence-informed policy-making and implementation of rapid diagnostic approaches within national TB programmes and laboratory networks.