Direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in nonrespiratory specimens by Gen-Probe amplified Mycobacterium tuberculosis direct test

The Gen-Probe Amplified Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Direct Test (AMTDT) was adapted for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in 224 nonrespiratory specimens from 188 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the AMTDT for such specimens, after resolution of discrepant results, were 85.7 and 100%, respectively. Pretreatment of nonrespiratory specimens with sodium dodecyl (lauryl) sulfate is mandatory to obtain consistent and reproducible AMTDT results. The use of 500 μl of decontaminated specimen improves the sensitivity of the test. Because the AMTDT detects stable rRNA from noncultivable bacilli, it is not useful for monitoring patients receiving treatment.