Gous N., Cunningham B., Kana B., Stevens W., Scott L.E.
Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; National Priority Program of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
Gous, N., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Cunningham, B., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kana, B., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Stevens, W., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, National Priority Program of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Scott, L.E., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
The use of dried culture spots (DCSs) has been reported in the verification of GeneXpert instruments as being "fit for purpose" for the South African National implementation program. We investigated and compared the performance of the DCSs for verification across different bulk batches, testing the settings and cadre of staff, and the Xpert MTB/RIF assay version. Four bulk batches (V005 to V008) were used to prepare (i) 619 DCS panels for laboratory testing on G3 or G4 cartridges by a technologist, (ii) 13 DCS panels (batch V005) used for clinic verification on G3 cartridges by a nurse or lay counselor, and (iii) 20 DCS panels (batch V005) used for the verification of 10 GeneXpert 16 module instruments in mobile vehicles on the G3 cartridge performed by a scientist. The stabilities of the DCSs over 6 months at 4C, room temperature, and 37C were investigated. The mean cycle threshold (CT) and standard deviation (SD) for probe A were calculated. The proportions of variability in the CT values across bulk batches, assay versions, and settings and cadre of staff were determined using regression analysis. Overall, the DCSs demonstrated SDs of 3.3 (n660) for the G3 cartridges and 3.8 (n1,888) for the G4 cartridges, with an overall error rate of 1.5% and false rifampin resistance rate of 0.1%. The proportions of variability (R2) in the CT values explained by batch were 14%, by setting and cadre of staff, 5.6%, and by assay version, 4.2%. The most stable temperature in a period of up to 6 months was 37C (SD, 2.7). The DCS is a robust product suitable for storage, transport, and use at room temperature for the verification of the GeneXpert instrument, and the testing can be performed by non-laboratory-trained personnel in nonlaboratory settings. Copyright © 2013, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.
rifampicin; analytical equipment; antibiotic resistance; antibiotic sensitivity; article; bacterium culture; dried culture spot; microbiology; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; priority journal; regression analysis; room temperature; South Africa; temperature; Desiccation; Humans; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Reproducibility of Results; South Africa; Specimen Handling; Temperature; Time Factors; Tuberculosis