Tuberculosis Diagnostic Research

New Delhi, India – 13-15 December 2010

Course Description
An intensive course on TB diagnostic research methods – from basics to advanced techniques. Held in New Delhi, India, this course was organized with funding support from TDR, and additional support from European Commission, EDCTP, McGill University, Stop TB Partnership’s New Diagnostics Working Group & Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND).

Agenda

Additional material
Day 1 – 13 December 2010

  • The global value chain (blueprint) for TB diagnostics and current pipeline of diagnostics (by M Pai) [Slides]
  • New WHO policy on Xpert MTB/RIF (by CN Parmasivan) [Slides]
  • New WHO policy on serological assays (by K Steingart) [Slides]
  • Overview of diagnostic research and types of diagnostic study designs (by M Pai) [Slides]
  • Landscape of TB diagnostic research (by M Pai) [Slides]
  • The diagnostic test accuracy design (by M Pai) [Slides]
  • Bias in diagnostic research and sources of variation (by K Steingart) [Slides]
  • Optimism bias in TB diagnostic research & critical appraisal (by M Pai) [Slides]

Day 2 – 14 December 2010

  • Reference Standards
    • Reference standards in microscopy evaluations (by CN Parmasivan) [Slides]
    • Reference standards in rapid culture/DST methods (by CN Parmasivan) [Slides]
    • Reference standards in molecular assays (by T Shinnick) [Slides]
    • Reference standards in serological assays (by S Laal) [Slides]
    • Reference standards in IGRAs and LTBI tests (by M Pai) [Slides]
    • Reference standards in extrapulmonary TB (by J Peter) [Slides]
  • Lab accreditation and QA in India (by J Kenneth) [Slides]
    • Ensuring quality in Microscopy studies (by CN Parmasivan) [Slides]
    • Ensuring quality in molecular assay studies (by T Shinnick) [Slides]
    • Ensuring quality in immunodiagnostic studies (by S Laal) [Slides]
  • Introduction to TB biomarker validation (by S Parida) [Slides]
  • Beyond Test Accuracy
    • 1: Impact of testing on diagnostic thinking and clinical decision making (by M Pai) [Slides]
    • 2: Incremental value and multivariable methods (by M Pai) [Slides]
    • 3: Randomized designs for clinical impact (by M Pai & J Peter) [Slides M Pai] [Slides J Peter]
  • Evaluation of TB diagnostics in children and HIV-infected populations: challenges and potential solutions (by S Swaminathan) [Slides]

Day 3 – 15 December 2010

  • Beyond Test Accuracy
    • 4: Cost and cost-effectiveness (by H Sohn) [Slides]
    • 5: Guideline and policy development using the GRADE approach (by K Steingart) [Slides]
  • Meta-analysis of diagnostic research (by K Steingart) [Slides]
  • Converting ideas into commercially viable products (by N Sriram) [Slides]
  • Landscape of TB diagnostics in India and barriers to innovation (by M Pai) [Slides]