An assessment of nucleic acid amplification testing for active mycobacterial infection

Results of assessment and discussion

Is it safe?

Summary—What is the safety of NAAT versus current testing in diagnosing MTB?
No studies were identified assessing the safety of NAAT versus current testing in patients suspected of TB. To date, NAAT has been widely used without any safety concerns.

Studies were screened to assess the safety of NAAT according to criteria outlined a priori in Box .

Box PICO criteria for studies assessing the safety of NAAT in patients suspected of TB where AFB microscopy is obtained

Population	Patients with clinical signs and symptoms of active TB whose specimen is suitable for AFB microscopy and culture, and who have had < 3 days of anti-TB treatment
Intervention	AFB microscopy and culture plus NAAT for the detection of MTB-complex DNA and genetic mutations on the rpoB gene associated with rifampicin resistance
Comparators	AFB microscopy and culture
Outcomes	AEs from testing procedures and subsequent treatments