General process flow for testing in NTEP

The process for testing is initiated with a request for test and ends with the reporting of test results. In built into the process of testing is also the process of specimen collection and transportation.

1. Request for a test: This is the first step initiated when the requirement for a test is identified. This event is at the time of identification of presumptive TB/ DRTB, follow-up point (end of IP/CP, post treatment follow-up). The request may be initiated by the medical officer (MO) or the health staff at the Peripheral Health Institute (PHI) citing the reason for testing and the type of test required. The request is directed towards a laboratory where the required test is available. The request for test can be performed in Nikshay for any case that is already enrolled with an existing Patient ID. Requesting for test in Nikshay is analogous to filling up the physical request form Annexure 15A and generates a Test ID/ Test Request ID.

2. Patient Referral/ Sample collection and transportation: Following the request for test, the next step is to physically refer the patient to the corresponding laboratory, or collecting the appropriate biological sample and initiating its transportation to the lab. If biological sample is collected, the details of the sample need to be added under the request for test in Nikshay and the sample needs to be appropriately labelled and the corresponding details of the request test attached.

3. Performing the test: Once the sample has been received successfully at the destination laboratory, the lab technician (LT) updates the sample/ test record in Nikshay and initiates the relevant protocol for testing and follows through till results availability. 

4. Reporting results: Once the results are available it needs to be updated against the corresponding request for a test and it is visible to all relevant stakeholders in Nikshay. If only Annexure 15A is available, the results need to be updated there and needs to be manually communicated to the personnel initiating the request for test.

Resources

• Training Modules for Programme Managers and Medical Officers
• Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment

Assessment