Diagnostic Yield of Tongue Swab- Compared to Sputum-Based Molecular Testing for Tuberculosis in Four High-Burden Countries.

Abstract

Tongue swab-based molecular testing with MiniDock MTB achieved non-inferior diagnostic yield compared with sputum-based molecular testing. These findings support scale-up of swab-based platforms as a cost-efficient alternative, particularly where sputum collection is challenging or smear microscopy remains the primary diagnostic method.