LT-Microscopy

Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST) refers to in-vitro testing using either of the phenotypic methods to determine susceptibility. Drug Resistance Testing (DRT) refers to in-vitro testing using genotypic methods (molecular techniques) to determine resistance.    

Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST) refers to universal access to rapid DST for at least Rifampicin (R), and further DST for at least Fluoroquinolones (FQs) among all TB patients with rifampicin-resistance.

The National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) constitute the third tier of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) laboratory network hierarchy. 

They provide quality assurance and certification services for the Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing (C&DST) labs and coordinate with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Supranational Reference Laboratory (SNRL) network.

There are six designated NRLs which are delineated in the figure below.

The following TPT treatment options are recommended under NTEP once active TB has been ruled out:

Nutritional Counselling begins with the nutritional assessment of TB patients by

• Nutritional Status: Assessing the height, weight and BMI of the TB patient

• Diet and Preference food for TB patients

• Current appetite and food intake of TB patients

Based on the nutritional assessment, following information can be conveyed to TB Patients

TB Aarogya Sathi empowers Citizens (including TB Patients under NTEP) and to serve as a Direct interface with the national TB program.

Citizen: The App is aimed at  increasing awareness among the citizens. It is available for all Citizens using the App (no login required to access this content)

Biological specimen/ samples collected on reaching a TB testing laboratory needs to be formally received. The sample may be handed over by agents(couriers, health staff/ volunteers, patient representatives) or by patients themselves. The formal receipt of sample enables further processes such as testing and communication of results back to the patient. If the sample is successfully received, the appropriate testing process is initiated using the sample, else it is rejected and a fresh sample requested. 

The use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in a TB laboratory is determined by risk assessment (according to the procedure and suspected pathogen).

Designated Microscopy Centres (DMCs) are low-risk TB laboratories, hence PPE should be used as follows:

Counselling before initiating treatment for a patient. is an important component of the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). The patient is counselled along with his family by the health staff.

Counselling is done on the following points:

When the referring health facility receives the test results from the DMC, the results are communicated to the patient through NTEP supervisors/health facility staff/Medical Officer.

Both Positive and negative results need to be communicated to the patient. For negative results, counselling for further evaluation and testing need to be done for the symptoms.

Communication as a tool embodies attitudes, behavior, body language, style, method of presentation, quality of listening and perceptions and interpretations.