Health Technology Assessment of In Vitro Diagnostic Equipment for Tuberculosis in a Public Health System

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis represents a challenge for public health, among other causes, due to diagnostic difficulties. Bacilloscopy and culture in solid media present technical difficulties and take time. OBJECTIVES: To carry out a complete health technology assessment, evaluating the incorporation of new in vitro diagnostic equipment for tuberculosis in the public health system of Neuquén. METHODS: A multidisciplinary and independent team analyzed the local resources, carried out a systematic search with analysis of diagnostic performance, economic, organizational and equity impact. RESULTS: Fluorescence microscopy, cultures in liquid medium and molecular biology were identified as potential additions. All three show evidence of greater sensitivity and specificity than smear microscopy. Molecular biology shortens times with minimal staff training and it has a much higher cost than other technologies. The culture in liquid medium shortens the time to diagnosis and is feasible to be incorporated. CONCLUSIONS: Tensions were observed between scenarios where efficiency maximization increases inequalities in access. The consensus methodology facilitates decision-making on the incorporation of technologies. It is recommendable to incorporate fluorescence microscopy in reference laboratories and equipment for culture in liquid medium, centralizing samples.