Monitoring quality indicators for the Xpert MTB/RIF molecular assay in Ethiopia

Ayinalem Alemu, Misikr Amare, Gobena Ameni, Abebaw Kebede, Dereje Beyene, Bazezew Yenew, Getu Diriba, Zemedu Mehamd

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction In Ethiopia, >300 GeneXpert instruments have been deployed for tuberculosis (TB) testing using the Xpert MTB/RIF cartridge. Implementing quality indicators is necessary for monitoring and evaluating the quality of Xpert MTB/RIF diagnostic services. Objective To assess the use of quality indicators for the Xpert MTB/RIF molecular assay in Ethiopia and to compare the findings with the predefined targets described in the literature. Methods Clinical specimens collected from patients with suspected TB were subjected to Xpert MTB/ RIF testing at the National TB Reference Laboratory (NTRL) between January and December 2018. Data were collected from GeneXpert software and Laboratory Information System (LIS) databases. Quality indicators were calculated and analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using SPSS software version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results Of the 2515 specimens tested, 2274 (90.4%) had successful test results; 18.2% were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Among MTB positives (n = 413), 4.8% and 1.0% were rifampicin (RIF)-resistant and RIF-indeterminate cases, respectively. Unsuccessful results were 241 (9.6%); 8.9% of the total number of tests were errors, 0.04% had invalid results and 0.6% ‘no result’. The most frequent error was probe check failure (error 5007). Instrument module A4, B2, B3, C3, and D3 (p<0.05) and tester experience (p<0.05) had a statistically significant association with errors in multivariate analysis. Additional 42 MTB cases (9.2% of the total cases) were detected among unsuccessful results by follow-up tests. Sixty-four percent of the initial test results were released within the turnaround time (TAT) ≤24 hours. Conclusion Most of the quality indicators for the Xpert MTB/RIF molecular assay were maintained within the targets. However, the error rate and TAT were out of the targets. Defective modules and lacking experience were the factors affecting successful test outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0225205
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume14
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 1 2019
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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