AFB XDR Screen by Hain LPA, Extra Pulmonary

Pulmonary Test - AFB XDR Screen Overview

Tuberculosis is a chronic respiratory tract infection causing fever, cough and weight loss. It is commonly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). Many diagnostic techniques are available for diagnosis of tuberculosis which include staining, culture and nucleic acid detection. Among nucleic acid detection techniques are:

• polymerase chain reaction (PCR),
• Cartridge based nucleic acid amplification technique (CBNAAT)
• Line probe assay (LPA)
• Next generation sequencing (NGS).

With increase in drug resistance in tuberculosis patient many patients would require testing of second line drugs.
LPA is based on DNA strip technology. 
In addition to detection of M.tb it can detect resistance to quinolone and aminoglycoside group of antibiotics

The Pulmonary Test - AFB XDR Screen, also known as the AFB XDR Screen by Hain Line Probe Assay (LPA), is a diagnostic test designed to detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) and identify strains that are resistant to multiple drugs, particularly those classified as extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). This test utilises DNA technology and is based on the Line Probe Assay (LPA) method, which involves DNA strip technology to detect specific genetic markers associated with drug resistance.

The Pulmonary Test - AFB XDR Screen is crucial for patients who exhibit symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis, especially those who may have drug-resistant strains. It is particularly important for patients who have been exposed to TB, have a history of TB treatment, or are from regions with high TB prevalence.

Written by: Dr Vishal Wadhwa, M.D, D.N.B Microbiology, Medical Affairs