The ability of the Xpert assay to rapidly detect a significantly greater number of bacteriologically confirmed EPTB cases, including RMP-resistant cases, makes it an important diagnostic tool in a TB-endemic country.

FDA microscopy can be used as a simple and rapid TB treatment monitoring tool in resource limited settings to identify those patients requiring immediate culture and DST test.

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LED-FM can be a good screening test for the diagnosis of PTB in HIV-infected patients. However, all scanty grade positive smears need to be confirmed by WHO approved gold standard.

The present study reinforces better case detection rate with PCR-based nucleic acid amplification test as compared with microscopy and culture in pediatric pulmonary TB. PCR showed a higher correlation with clinical diagnosis as compared with microscopy and solid culture. Hence, a molecular platform should be the test of choice for detecting PPTB.