Cost-Effectiveness of Different Strategies for Amplified Mycobacterium tuberculosis Direct Testing for Cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Abstract

We conducted a decision analysis to assess and compare four algorithms for amplified Mycobacterium tuberculosis direct (MTD) testing of respiratory specimens in terms of cost-effectiveness. The most cost-effective strategy was one in which smear-positive specimens but not smear-negative specimens were diluted prior to MTD testing.