<![CDATA[Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health problem that requires rapid and accurate diagnosis to support treatment success and disease control. The GeneXpert MTB/RIF molecular assay is a recommended diagnostic method due to its ability to rapidly and sensitively detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Pre-analytical factors, including delays in sputum examination, may affect specimen quality and diagnostic results. This study aimed to determine the effect of delayed sputum examination on MTB detection using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF method. A quantitative, one-group paired pre-experimental design was conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory of a hospital in Yogyakarta. Seven sputum specimens from patients suspected of having tuberculosis who met the inclusion criteria were selected using purposive sampling. Each specimen was examined immediately (0 hours) and retested after a 6-hour delay at room temperature. The data were analyzed using the McNemar test with a significance level of 5%. The results showed identical MTB detection results at both examination times. Five specimens (71.4%) were negative and two specimens (28.6%) were positive at both 0-hour and 6-hour examinations. The McNemar test yielded a p-value of 1.00 (p > 0.05). No change in MTB detection was observed among the seven specimens after a 6-hour delay. Therefore, within the limitations of this study, no change in MTB detection results was observed following a 6-hour delay in sputum examination using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF method.]]>
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