The use of the polymerase chain reaction test in the diagnosis of tuberculosis
Date
1991
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
Current techniques for laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis have some serious limitations. These include the high cost and time required for the current assays. The development of a rapid, sensitive, specific and low-cost assay is therefore of considerable importance. We report here the development and laboratory testing of a polymerase chain reaction DNA-based diagnostic test for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum. The assay shows a high level of sensitivity and specificity and requires considerably less capital, consumables and time inputs than existing laboratory tests. We believe this technology is ready for large-scale evaluation and use, particularly in hospital-based laboratories.
Description
CITATION: Van Helden, P. D. et al. 1991. The use of the polymerase chain reaction test in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. South African Medical Journal, 80:515-516.
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Tuberculosis -- Diagnosis, Polymerase chain reaction