The FDA today (February 12) cleared the Cepheid Xpert MTB/RIF Assay to help physicians determine if patients with suspected tuberculosis (TB) can be removed from airborne infection isolation. This expanded use allows healthcare providers to use one or two negative Xpert MTB/RIF Assay test results to help them determine whether a patient showing signs and symptoms of pulmonary TB should continue to be kept in a hospital airborne isolation room.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a proposed rule today that would encourage the development of a type of test used to detect cases of tuberculosis (TB). This rule would lower the current risk classification for nucleic acid-based tests allowing manufacturers to utilize the faster, more streamlined clearance pathway for medical devices.