Ask the Experts - PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the Urine?
What is the yield on using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the urine? Is it cost-effective?

Dr. Mahmud

No members of the Medscape Transplantation Ask the Experts panel had sufficient experience to respond to this question. However, a review of the literature supports the use of PCR for diagnosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Studies consistently showed that this method is highly specific and sensitive for detection of extrapulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although there were no studies identified that specifically evaluated the cost-effectiveness of this method, several studies noted the advantage of rapid detection and early diagnosis by PCR compared with other methods and, thus, the ability to begin treatment earlier. A MEDLINE abstract collection on use of PCR for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the urine is provided (see Related Article).