Same-day diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis

WHO's approach to detection of tuberculosis relies on microscopic examination of several sputum smears. Despite advances in rapid diagnostics, resource restrictions mean that the present WHO approach will probably remain for some time.However, the sensitivity of smear microscopy is significantly lower than the target case-detection rate of 70%. Optimisation of sputum-smear microscopy has been recognised as a priority. In The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Lucian Davis and colleagues assess strategies incorporating same-day microscopy, which is an attractive idea with the potential to greatly improve diagnostic services.