CBNAAT / TRUENAT MTB & RIFAMPICIN RESISTANCE
(Flat ₹501 OFF - Sanovra Lab)
Report Time: Next Day Evening | Sample: Sputum/Body Fluids | Days: Except Sunday
The TrueNat/CBNAAT Test represents a revolutionary leap in Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. Unlike older microscope tests that could miss low levels of bacteria, this test uses Molecular PCR technology to detect the DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) with high precision.
Crucially, this test serves a dual purpose: it not only confirms if you have TB, but it also simultaneously checks if the bacteria are resistant to Rifampicin, the most important antibiotic used to treat TB. This allows for the immediate diagnosis of Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB), ensuring the correct treatment starts from day one.
What is TrueNat / CBNAAT?
These are chip-based, micro-PCR tests. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplifies tiny amounts of genetic material to detectable levels. This means even if there are very few TB bacteria in the sample (which a microscope would miss), this test can find them.
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✔High Sensitivity: Can detect TB even in Smear Negative cases.
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✔Rapid Results: Traditional cultures take 4-8 weeks. TrueNat/CBNAAT gives results in 24 hours.
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✔Drug Resistance Screening: Automatically checks for resistance genes (rpoB mutation).
Why is Rifampicin Resistance Critical?
Rifampicin is the most powerful drug in the standard TB treatment regimen. If a patient has bacteria that are resistant to Rifampicin, standard treatment will fail.
This condition is known as MDR-TB (Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis). Identifying this immediately allows doctors to skip the ineffective drugs and start second-line treatment immediately, preventing the spread of drug-resistant superbugs.
Who Should Take This Test?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Indian RNTCP guidelines recommend this test for:
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➤Symptomatic Patients: Anyone with a cough for more than 2 weeks, fever, weight loss, or night sweats.
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➤High-Risk Groups: People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) or those in contact with known TB patients.
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➤Extra-Pulmonary TB: Suspected TB in lymph nodes, spine, or abdomen (where bacterial load is low).
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➤Pediatric TB: Children often struggle to produce sputum and have low bacterial counts.
Interpreting Your Results
The report provides two distinct results: one for the presence of bacteria and one for drug resistance.
| Parameter | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| MTB Result | Detected | Positive for Tuberculosis. Active TB infection is present. |
| MTB Result | Not Detected | Negative for TB DNA. Infection is unlikely. |
| Rifampicin Resistance | Detected | MDR-TB Alert. The bacteria are resistant to Rifampicin. Standard treatment will not work. |
| Rifampicin Resistance | Not Detected | Standard drug-sensitive TB. First-line treatment can be used. |
| Rifampicin Resistance | Indeterminate | The test could not determine resistance (usually due to very low bacterial load). Repeat testing may be needed. |
How to Collect a Sputum Sample
The quality of the sample determines the accuracy of the test. Saliva (spit) is useless; we need deep lung sputum.
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1.Timing: An early morning sample is best as sputum accumulates in the lungs overnight.
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2.Rinse: Rinse your mouth with water to remove food particles. Do not use mouthwash.
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3.Deep Cough: Take three deep breaths. On the third breath, cough forcefully from deep within the chest to bring up thick, mucousy sputum.
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4.Collect: Spit directly into the sterile container provided by the lab. Secure the cap tightly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. TrueNat is an indigenous Indian technology approved by the ICMR and WHO. It has sensitivity and specificity comparable to the international GeneXpert system.
Yes. It can be performed on Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), Gastric Aspirate (for babies), CSF (for brain TB), Pus, or Tissue Biopsies (for lymph nodes).
Usually, yes, if it is Pulmonary (Lung) TB. You should isolate and wear a mask until your doctor advises otherwise. Extra-pulmonary TB (spine, kidney) is generally not contagious.
No, the CBNAAT/TrueNat test is processed on all days Except Sunday at Sanovra Lab.
Fast & Accurate TB Diagnosis
Don't wait weeks for a diagnosis. Get tested for TB and Drug Resistance simultaneously with the TrueNat Test.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a qualified Pulmonologist or Physician.