Rapid diagnostics for tuberculosis detection

Course information

Overview: This e-learning course has been developed by WHO. It is a comprehensive, self-paced, online course that follows the content of the WHO operational handbook on tuberculosis: Module 3: Diagnosis – rapid diagnostics for tuberculosis detection - 2021 update.

Course duration: 6 to 7 hours

Certificates: Participants with an 80% score or more on the final assessment can download a Record of Achievement. Participants who receive a Record of Achievement can also download an Open Badge for this course. Click here to learn how.

© World Health Organization 2021. All rights reserved. This e-learning training was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is intended to be used as a self-learning course on WHO recommended diagnostics for tuberculosis detection. All reasonable precautions have been taken by WHO to verify the information contained in this e-learning training. However, the e-learning training is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the e-learning training lies with the reader. In no event shall WHO be liable for damages arising from its use. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of WHO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted and dashed lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters

What you'll learn

• Explain the rationale for delivering diagnostic services and illustrate the key components and organization of a TB diagnostic network in different settings;
• Describe the steps to be implemented when introducing a new diagnostic tool into an existing laboratory network;
• Describe the TB diagnostic algorithms that incorporate the most recent WHO recommendations for detecting TB and DR-TB and outline considerations needed to be made for the implementation these new algorithms;
• Explain indicators and targets and interpret results for performance monitoring of the laboratory network.

Who this course is for

• This e-learning course is intended for people who provide guidance to countries on implementing WHO recommendations on TB; for example, national programme managers, managers of laboratory services, technical staff at ministries of health, WHO staff, staff of technical agencies, consultants and anyone else serving a similar role in countries and major subnational units. It is assumed that you have experience in working on TB and are familiar with WHO TB guidelines.