Rapid identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in clinical isolates by combining presumptive cord formation and MPT64 Antigen Immunochromatographic Assay

Presumptive cord formation and MPT64 antigen ICT assay can be used in combination for identification of MTB complex. When both the test are positive, the culture can be reported to contain MTB complex. If both the tests are negative, the culture should be reported to contain NTM. Only when discrepant results are obtained by the two tests, further evaluation is necessary to ensure an accurate diagnosis.