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  • TrueNAT MTB and RIF Assay

    Learning Objectives
    1. Provide an overview of the Truenat platform-  An indigenous test rapid molecular test to be used at the point of care. It uses RTPCR as the base molecular technology. 
    2. Discuss the important advantages of the platform.
      1. Rapid test 
      2. Point of care and battery operated
      3. The type of Kit used would determine the test/ assay that would be performed.
    3. Discuss the parts of a Truenat machine and the various configurations it comes in. 
    4. Mention that they can identify the nearest Truenat laboratory from Nikshay Directory or the Nikshay Arogya Saathi application.
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Truenat is an indigenous rapid molecular test platform that is currently under use in NTEP for diagnosis of TB and Rif Resistance. It is a platform utilising real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology built into micro-PCR chips.

Testing on Truenat involves three components:

  1. Workstation (consisting of 2 devices)
    • Trueprep AUTO Universal Cartridge-based Sample Prep Device for the automated extraction and purification of DNA
    • Truelab Real-time micro PCR Analyzer for performing real-time PCR. It is available as 1 (Uno), 2 (Duo) or 4 (Quattro) chip ports.
  2. Cartridge and Chip
  3. Reagent kits (Sample Pre-treatment and Prep kits)

Figure: Truenat  Source: MolBio Products.

Test results for MTB detection and Rif Resistance has a turn around time of 1-2 hours. Depending on the micro-PCR chips used various tests can be performed using Truenat. Truenat MTB micro-PCR chips detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria for TB diagnosis. Truenat MTB RIF micro-PCR chip is used as a reflex test to detect resistance to Rifampicin (RIF), the first-line drug for TB treatment

Truenat has many advantages. Truenat is designed to be mobile and is battery operated (~8 hours on full charge). It can be deployed in peripheral laboratories and microscopy centres with minimal or no added facilities and hence it is more point-of-care. Biosafety requirements are similar to smear microscopy. However, it is multi staged and partially automated, requiring the presence of a Lab Technician through out the test.

Resources

  1. Truenat MTB Kit Insert.
  2. Trueprep AUTO Universal Cartridge-based Sample Prep Device.
  3. Practical Guide to Implementation of Truenat Tests for the Detection of TB and Rifampicin-resistance, 2021.

 

Assessment

Question​ Answer 1​ Answer 2​ Answer 3​ Answer 4​ Correct answer​ Correct explanation​ Page id​ Part of Pre-test​ Part of Post-test​
Truenat is used in NTEP for: MTB detection Rif Resistance Detection INH resistance Detection MTB and Rif Resistance Detection 4 Truenat is used for MTB and Rif Resistance detection in NTEP   Yes Yes
The Truelab Analyzer is available in how many chip ports? 2 (Duo) 1 (Uno), 2 (Duo) and 4 (Quattro) 1 (Uno) 4 (Quattro) 2 The Truelab Analyzer is available as 1 (Uno), 2 (Duo) and 4 (Quattro) chip ports. Yes Yes

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