Flow of CB-NAAT Cartridges/TrueNat chips in NTEP

Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (CBNAAT) cartridges and Truenat chips are used in the molecular test for TB diagnosis.

• It not only detects TB bacteria but also Rifampicin resistance.
• These are procured at the central level and supplied to states/ districts/ Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) sites based on their requirements.
• Recently, it has been decentralised and states are procuring through Government eMarketplace (GeM).  

For procurement of diagnostics at the state level, the states are authorised to establish rate contracts at the beginning of each financial year for up to 25% of the annual requirement of CBNAAT/ Truenat machines and cartridges/ chips, using funds available through the “Free diagnostics” and “Free drugs” initiative.

Flow of CBNAAT cartridges/ Truenat chips in National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP)

Figure: Flowchart showing the Flow of CBNAAT Cartridges/ Truenat Chips in NTEP

The procurement of cartridges and chips is based on

• Stock availability
• Consumption
• Expected case load

It should be recorded, reported and monitored through the Ni-kshay Aushadhi in real-time.

The storekeeper of State Drug Stores (SDS)/ District Drug Store (DDS) is responsible for dispatching the cartridges/ chips to the NAAT site.

The NAAT site in charge will send a monthly utilisation report to SDS/ DDS. The SDS will further share quarterly utilisation to the central level through Ni-kshay Aushadhi.        

Resources

• Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant TB (PMDT) in India, NTEP, CTD, MoHFW, India, 2021.
• Procurement, Supply Chain Management & Preventive Maintenance, Module 6, CTD, MoHFW, India.

Assessment