Module 8:
Recording and reporting
Global Laboratory Initiative – Xpert MTB/RIF Training Package
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Record keeping
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Reporting of Xpert MTB/RIF results
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Entry of data into the Laboratory Register
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Consequences of inaccurate recording and reporting
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Global Laboratory Initiative
Xpert MTB/RIF Training Package
At the end of this module, you will be able to:
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Describe essential elements of recording and reporting Xpert
MTB/RIF results
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Report Xpert MTB/RIF results on the Laboratory Request Form
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Record Xpert MTB/RIF results correctly in the Laboratory Register
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Global Laboratory Initiative
Xpert MTB/RIF Training Package
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Laboratory Request Form (Request for examination of biological
specimen for TB)
Laboratory Report Forms
Laboratory Registers (may vary depending on diagnostics available in
laboratory)
Retain all laboratory records
according to National policy
To be customized according to country
policy on retaining records
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Global Laboratory Initiative
Xpert MTB/RIF Training Package
Adapt according to NTP guidelines in your country
To be customized by country.
Add your local request form, and
demonstrate to participants how to
correctly complete the form.
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Global Laboratory Initiative
Xpert MTB/RIF Training Package
Adapt according to NTP guidelines in your country
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Name of treatment unit
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Date of request
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Patient's information ( i.e., name, sex, age, address, and
patient/suspect register number)
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Number of specimens and specimen type sent for testing
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Date of collection of specimen(s)
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Reason for examination (e.g., diagnosis or follow-up)
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Signature of person requesting examination
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Global Laboratory Initiative
Xpert MTB/RIF Training Package
Adapt according to NTP guidelines in your country

Report forms include microscopy and/or Xpert MTB/RIF results (and if
applicable, culture and DST results)
To be customized by country.
Add your local report form, and
demonstrate to participants how to
correctly complete the form.
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Global Laboratory Initiative
Xpert MTB/RIF Training Package
Adapt according to NTP guidelines in your country
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Date specimen received and collected
Laboratory Serial Number
Type of specimen
Patient's information (i.e., name, sex, age, address and register
number)
Reason for examination (e.g., diagnosis or follow-up)
Microscopy results (and results of culture and/or DST, if applicable)
Xpert MTB/RIF results
◦ Add a new column, or record in the column “Comments”
◦ Similar to microscopy, use red or other colored pen for positive
and resistant results
Name and signature of person performing test
Global Laboratory Initiative
Xpert MTB/RIF Training Package
Adapt according to NTP guidelines in your country
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As a temporary measure, NTPs may use the existing laboratory register
by recording Xpert MTB/RIF results in the “comments” column
The format of the laboratory register should be modified to include a
specific column for Xpert MTB/RIF results
Example:
*
*
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Global Laboratory Initiative
Xpert MTB/RIF Training Package
Accurate recording and reporting of results is absolutely critical:
False-negatives mean that the results that were reported as negative
were truly positive
 Patients with TB may not be treated resulting in on-going disease,
disease transmission, or death.
False-positives mean that the results that were reported as positive
were truly negative
 Patients are treated unnecessarily or treatment may continue longer
than necessary
 Medications will be wasted
 Patient has a different underlying condition that requires treatment
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Global Laboratory Initiative
Xpert MTB/RIF Training Package
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Main laboratory record keeping consists of: Laboratory Request Form,
Laboratory Report Form, Laboratory Register
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WHO provides a standardised reporting framework for TB, which
should be customized by the countries
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Accurate recording and reporting is absolutely critical to avoid
inaccurate/false results
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Global Laboratory Initiative
Xpert MTB/RIF Training Package
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What are the key elements required for accurate record keeping?
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What essential data must be entered into the Laboratory Register?
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What is a false-negative result and false-positive result?
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What are the consequences of a false-positive result being reported?
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Global Laboratory Initiative
Xpert MTB/RIF Training Package
Acknowledgements
The Xpert MTB/RIF Training Package has been developed by a consortium of
GLI partners, including FIND, KNCV, US CDC, USAID, TB CARE I and WHO, with
funding from USAID.
The modules are based on materials originally developed by FIND, KNCV and
Cepheid.