Chairs: Dr Martin Connor and Dr Fiona MacKenzie
This group was first established in 2018 with the aim of standardising mycobacterial (TB) testing, including:
- Review the current status of Scottish mycobacterial diagnostic services, using the information available from SMRL and the UK-wide audit.
- Consider options for configuration of Scottish mycobacterial diagnostic services that would meet Scottish Action Plan, Health Protection Network and other relevant guidance.
- Consider barriers to the provision of these configurations.
- Get comments from microbiology laboratory leaders in each of the Scottish boards
- Make a recommendation on the basis of these considerations
In 2019 the sub-group presented a case for the “Introduction of Molecular Diagnostics for the Rapid Identification of TB” to the NHS Scotland Board Chief Executives. This was approved and a tender process commenced in partnership with National Procurement. The result of the tender was that Cepheid GeneXpert equipment was procured for every NHS Board for the rapid identification of TB. Rollout of the equipment and go-live testing was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of Boards have now implemented testing with the remaining Boards due to complete implementation in late 2022.