Implementation of pooled testing of sputum specimens from multiple individuals for rapid molecular detection of tuberculosis in Cameroon

Summary

First large-scale programmatic evaluation of TB pooled testing. 71,328 sputum specimens across 16 GeneXpert laboratories and 6 regions of Cameroon (Oct 2023 – Mar 2025). 59,164 specimens tested in pools of 2–8 consumed only 20,838 Ultra cartridges (0.35 cartridges per result), enabling 38,326 additional people to be tested. Time to result fell from 66 min (individual) to 45→10 min (pools of 2→8). Cost per result: $2.81 pooled vs $7.97 individual. Core evidence stream behind the WHO 9 March 2026 recommendation on sputum pooling.