Line Probe Assay [LPA]

  1. Provide an overview of the LPA Test- A rapid molecular test available at centralized laboratories using a combination of PCR, Gel Electrophoresis technologies. Primarily used for the diagnosis of DRTB. 
  2. Discuss the important advantages and disadvantages of the platform.
    1. Rapid test 
    2. Multiple tests at a time-Larger throughput
    3. lower sensitivity requiring culture
    4. Many genetic probes tested simultaneously
  3. Provide a brief overview(pictures) of the LPA laboratory and processing. 

TB Case diagnosis

Provide an overview of the process that results in a TB case diagnosis.

  1. Screening population for signs and symptoms for TB
  2. TB Diagnostic Testing for pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB
  3. Clinical diagnosis of TB
  4. Diagnosis of Drug resistance
  5. Referral for diagnosis and sample transportation

CBNAAT Xpert MTB/RIF - Indications of use under NTEP

Since the test offers quick high sensitivity/specificity diagnosis TB and simultaneous diagnosis of RIF resistance, it is indicated for use in NTEP in the following cases.

Indications for use:

  1. Detection of TB in high risk Presumptive TB with high vulnerability/ Risk (such as previous history of TB, with X-ray abnormalities, HIV, Diabetes) or for use in Key populations for fast tracking diagnosis.
  2. Detection of TB & DRTB in cases with high risk of DRTB (such as contacts of DR-TB)
  3. Detection of RIF resistance in all TB notified cases.

CBNAAT Xpert MTB/RIF Assay/Cartridge

The test simultaneously detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and resistance to rifampicin (RIF)

Test Performance Parameters: Sensitivity Specificity for MTB; Sensitivity Specificity for RIF; TAT is less than 2 hours.I

Test was endorsed by WHO for use in National TB Programs in 2010 and introduced for scaled up in India in 2015-16.

This test is expected to eventually be used as the first choice test for diagnosis of TB.

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