<![CDATA[Introduction: Tuberculosis remains a major public health problem, and the accuracy of diagnosis using the Molecular Rapid Test (MRT) is strongly influenced by sputum quality. However, inadequate sputum specimens are still commonly found, potentially reducing diagnostic accuracy. Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between sputum quality and Molecular Rapid Test results in suspected tuberculosis patients at Giri Emas Regional General Hospital. Method: This study employed an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 35 suspected tuberculosis patients were included using total sampling during April–May 2026. Sputum quality data were collected through macroscopic observation using a checklist, while MRT results were obtained from GeneXpert MTB/RIF examination. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate methods with Fisher’s Exact Test. Results: The results showed that most respondents had good sputum quality (57.1%), and there was a significant relationship between sputum quality and MRT results (p=0.005). Conclusion: It can be concluded that sputum quality influences MRT results; therefore, proper sputum collection education is necessary to improve tuberculosis diagnostic accuracy.]]>
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