Synergy With HIV Efforts
Since use of the machine in HIV-treatment settings to diagnose co-infected TB patients is highly recommended, Xpert scale up in these settings may strengthen the coordination between TB and HIV programs. Although policies to intensify TB case detection among persons with HIV have long been in place, a significant gap remains in on-the-ground collaborative activities.Xpert has the potential to narrow this gap. Additionally, implementation ofXpert can be greatly facilitated by leveraging HIV laboratory, care, and treatment infrastructure. TB programs can garner other lessons learned from HIV programs, which have witnessed rapid implementation of new technologies and treatments. In addition, Cepheid and other companies are looking into performing TB testing and HIV viral load testing on a common instrument.
Xpert can improve coordination between HIV and TB programs.