AFB XDR Screen by Hain LPA, Pulmonary

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. It is approved by WHO for testing pulmonary samples and M.tb culture isolates. 
In addition to detection of M.tb it can detect resistance to quinolone and aminoglycoside group of antibiotics

The AFB XDR Screen- Sputum / BAL/ Other Respiratory Samples is a crucial diagnostic test designed to detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) DNA in respiratory samples and identify mutations associated with resistance to various antibiotics.

This test is particularly valuable in cases of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), as it employs DNA strip technology approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of India for testing pulmonary samples and M.tb culture isolates.

By analysing sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), or other respiratory samples, the AFB XDR Screen provides essential information for diagnosing tuberculosis, detecting drug resistance, and monitoring treatment response. This test is a powerful tool in the fight against TB, especially in high-risk populations and those suspected of having drug-resistant strains of the disease.

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