“What is a GeneXpert test?”
I underwent a biopsy but the technician dipped it in formalin. Now I have been advised to undergo another biopsy for the GeneXpert test. What is this test and what does it determine?
2 Answers
TB GeneXpert test is a rapid test that can simultaneously identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and resistance to rifampin from sputum. This test detects the DNA in TB bacteria. Thank you.
Genetic testing (depending on the type) often requires viable tissue. Formaldehyde (formalin) fixes tissues, rendering them non-viable. There are some disease conditions that can be confirmed by genetic testing. These are many, each with a specific type of genetic testing.
