Is Scale-Up Worth It? Challenges in Economic Analysis of Diagnostic Tests for Tuberculosis

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 January 2011
Document Type:
Journal Article
Theme:
Health
Authors:
Pai, M., Cattamanchi, A., Steingart, K.R., Dowdy, D.W.

Abstract

To impact TB globally, Xpert MTB/RIF and other diagnostics must be scaled-up across numerous clinical settings, after careful evaluation of expected costs and benefits. Unfortunately, standard cost-effectiveness analyses are ill-suited to guide local decision-makers in directing scale-up activities. We demonstrate the limitations of standard economic analyses as applied to scale-up of TB diagnostics (specifically Xpert MTB/RIF), and recommend adaptations to future analyses that will facilitate rational and effective scale-up activities.

Citation

Dowdy, D.W.; Cattamanchi, A.; Steingart, K.R.; Pai, M. Is Scale-Up Worth It? Challenges in Economic Analysis of Diagnostic Tests for Tuberculosis. PLoS Medicine (2011) 8 (7) e1001063. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001063]

Is Scale-Up Worth It? Challenges in Economic Analysis of Diagnostic Tests for Tuberculosis

Published 1 January 2011
Contents