Roles of IRLs

The Intermediate Reference Laboratories (IRLs) function as a culture and drug susceptibility testing (C&DST) facility for the state level.

In addition to performing CDST, IRL is also responsible for:

• Undertaking training on laboratory technologies for district and field level staffs
• Conducting on-site evaluation visits to districts for sputum microscopy at least once a year
• Undertaking panel testing of Senior TB Laboratory Supervisors (STLS) at each district linked to it
• Ensuring the proficiency of staff performing National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) smear microscopy activities by providing training to laboratory technicians and STLS

Resources

• Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant TB in India, 2021.
• NTEP Laboratory Network.

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