Wang G, Wang S, Yang X, et al. - Researchers compared the novel next-generation Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra) with Xpert (Xpert MTB/RIF) in terms of performance in diagnosing pleural tuberculosis (TB). The sensitivity yielded by Xpert Ultra was higher as compared with culture, Xpert and smear, as revealed by the direct head-to-head comparison for M. tuberculosis detection. An increase in the percentage of definite pleural TB case, from 56.25% to 64.90%, was noted as a result of combining Xpert Ultra outcomes. For smear, culture, Xpert and Xpert Ultra, the reported specificities were 100%, 100%, 98.67% and 98.67%, respectively. Overall, a great potential of Xpert Ultra in the diagnosis of pleural TB and its rifampicin resistance was shown.