Performance characteristics of the Xpert MTB/RIF test overall, and stratified by smear microscopy status, using MGIT culture as the reference standard.

Abbreviations: CI, confidence interval; MGIT, Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube; PPV, positive predictive value; NPV, negative predictive value. aExcluded from the analyses were 249 specimens that were contaminated in MGIT culture and 23 specimens that had a final result of failed on Xpert MTB/RIF testing. bsensitivity of smear microscopy for detection of MTB, using MGIT as reference standard, was 33/187 (17.6%, [95%CI 12.5, 23.9]) vs. Xpert sensitivity of 62.6% overall (p≤0.001). cThese 54 specimens were culture-negative for M. tuberculosis. For 11/54, a non-tuberculous mycobacterium was isolated from culture. For 43/54 the culture was negative for any mycobacterial growth; among these 43 specimens, 32 were smear grade scanty.