Xpert^® MTB/RIF has recently been recommended by WHO as a promising new tool for the rapid diagnosis of TB, in particular drug-resistant TB. While implementation efforts are under way, there are still many unanswered questions around the tests’ optimal use within health systems and in different patient populations that warrant further research.

The Union, through the USAID-funded TREAT TB initiative, and supported by WHO, has developed this tool, which allows researchers and policy makers to globally map ongoing research activities around Xpert^® MTB/RIF. The tool aims to be a comprehensive platform providing information and initiating exchange and discussion in order to optimize research efforts related to implementation and scale-up of Xpert^® MTB/RIF.