Raw qPCR results and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra results from phase one.

Comparison of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) detection using Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and qPCR from tongue swabs under different storage and processing conditions. Each row represents an individual participant (PID). Swabs were either tested within 24 hours or after storage at −80°C. Results from Xpert Ultra testing of sputum and TS 5 are shown. qPCR testing targeted IS6110 and IS1081 insertion sequences under two storage conditions (2–8°C for 24 hours and −80°C for 1–5 months), across three processing methods: Heat Lysis 1 (HL-1), Heat Lysis 2 (HL-2), and vortex bead beating (VBB). (XLSX)