New manual qPCR assay validated on tongue swabs collected and processed in Uganda shows sensitivity that rivals sputum-based molecular TB diagnostics

Reliance on sputum-based testing is a key barrier to increasing access to molecular diagnostics for tuberculosis (TB). Many people with TB are unable to produce and sputum processing increases the complexity and cost of molecular assays. Tongue swabs are emerging as an alternative to sputum, but performance limits are uncertain.