Book TB XDR Screen Test in Surat

The TB XDR Screen test, performed using Line Probe Assay technology commonly referred to as LPA, is an advanced molecular diagnostic test that detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis and simultaneously identifies genetic mutations conferring resistance to multiple anti-TB drug classes including rifampicin, isoniazid, fluoroquinolones, and second-line injectable agents. A TB strain meeting the WHO revised 2021 definition of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, known as XDR-TB, is one that is resistant to rifampicin, isoniazid, any fluoroquinolone, and at least one of bedaquiline or linezolid, representing the most treatment-refractory form of TB currently defined in clinical practice. LPA technology works by extracting DNA from the clinical specimen, amplifying target gene regions using PCR, and then hybridising the amplified products to membrane-bound probes that detect specific wild-type sequences and resistance-associated mutations across multiple drug resistance genes simultaneously. This multiplex approach enables comprehensive resistance profiling across several drug classes in a single test run, providing far more clinically actionable information than sequential single-drug resistance tests and enabling construction of an effective individualised treatment regimen from the outset. India bears one of the highest XDR-TB burdens globally, a consequence of inadequate MDR-TB management, incomplete second-line drug courses, unregulated availability of fluoroquinolones and other antibiotics, and transmission of already extensively resistant strains in congregate settings. XDR-TB is associated with extremely poor treatment outcomes, prolonged infectious periods, and very high mortality without prompt specialist intervention. The LPA test is therefore a critical tool in India's national TB elimination strategy. The test is performed on sputum or other relevant clinical specimens.

Doctors prescribe a TB XDR Screen LPA test in the following situations: Investigating confirmed MDR-TB patients before initiating second-line treatment where comprehensive resistance profiling through LPA identifies whether additional resistance beyond rifampicin and isoniazid is present, ensuring the proposed second-line regimen contains sufficient active drugs and does not inadvertently include agents to which the strain is already resistant. Evaluating treatment failure in patients receiving MDR-TB regimens who fail to achieve sputum conversion or show clinical deterioration despite second-line therapy, where LPA resistance profiling identifies acquired resistance to fluoroquinolones or other second-line agents that renders the current regimen inadequate and necessitates urgent regimen revision. Screening close contacts of confirmed XDR-TB index cases where household members and healthcare workers with prolonged close exposure are at significant risk of having acquired an extensively resistant strain, and early molecular screening enables timely diagnosis before advanced disease and further community transmission occur. Assessing patients with prior exposure to fluoroquinolones for non-TB indications including respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and enteric fever in TB-endemic settings where empirical fluoroquinolone use is widespread, as pre-existing fluoroquinolone resistance may compromise the effectiveness of MDR-TB regimens that rely on these drugs as core components. Guiding bedaquiline and linezolid eligibility in patients being considered for newer drug-resistant TB regimens where resistance to these agents, though currently less prevalent, is emerging and must be excluded before these drugs are incorporated as anchoring agents in the treatment regimen. Monitoring patients in programmatic DR-TB treatment settings where periodic LPA testing during treatment tracks the emergence of additional acquired resistance, enables early regimen adjustment, and informs decisions regarding continuation, intensification, or modification of the drug-resistant TB treatment course.

The TB XDR Screen LPA test detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA and identifies mutations across multiple resistance-associated genes including rpoB for rifampicin, katG and inhA for isoniazid, gyrA and gyrB for fluoroquinolones, and genes associated with resistance to second-line injectable agents and newer drugs. Results are reported qualitatively per drug class tested. MTB Not Detected A not detected result indicates that Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA was not identified in the specimen tested, effectively ruling out active TB in the sample. In patients with strong clinical suspicion, a single negative result does not conclusively exclude TB and repeat testing with a fresh or alternative specimen type may be clinically warranted before TB is definitively excluded. MTB Detected, Pan-Sensitive This result confirms active TB infection with sensitivity across all drug classes tested by the LPA panel, indicating absence of resistance mutations to rifampicin, isoniazid, fluoroquinolones, and second-line agents. Standard or MDR-TB treatment as clinically appropriate can be initiated with confidence that the tested drug classes retain activity against the identified strain. MTB Detected, XDR Confirmed This result confirms the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with resistance mutations meeting XDR-TB criteria, indicating resistance to rifampicin, isoniazid, fluoroquinolones, and at least one additional critical second-line agent. This finding demands immediate referral to a specialised XDR-TB treatment centre, construction of an individualised regimen using remaining active drugs under expert supervision, mandatory national programme notification, and urgent systematic contact tracing of all close contacts.

The TB XDR Screen LPA test is most commonly performed on an early morning sputum specimen, and specimen quality is critically important for reliable molecular resistance profiling results. Patients should collect a deep cough sputum specimen early in the morning before eating, drinking, or using any oral hygiene products, as early morning sputum contains the highest bacterial concentration and delivers the best sensitivity for both TB detection and resistance mutation analysis. Before providing the sputum sample, rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water only, strictly avoiding toothpaste, mouthwash, and antiseptic oral rinses immediately before collection, as these agents contain compounds that inhibit PCR amplification and can compromise the accuracy of resistance mutation detection across the multiple gene targets analysed by the LPA panel. Inform your doctor about all anti-TB medications currently being taken before the test, as ongoing drug exposure reduces bacterial load in specimens and may affect detection sensitivity. For non-sputum specimens including bronchoalveolar lavage, CSF, or tissue biopsies, your treating physician will provide specific pre-procedure preparation instructions. Rapid specimen transport to the laboratory at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius is essential for preserving nucleic acid integrity and ensuring accurate multiplex resistance profiling across all gene targets tested by the LPA assay.

If you are booking through the SecondMedic platform the TB XDR Screen LPA test price in Surat can cost you around Rs. 3385. You may also consider booking a comprehensive XDR-TB workup panel that includes LPA alongside culture and drug susceptibility testing, chest imaging, cardiac evaluation, and baseline organ function tests required prior to initiating second-line drug-resistant TB therapy at a bundled price on SecondMedic.

SecondMedic offers convenient home sample collection for the TB XDR Screen test in Surat, making it easy to get tested without visiting a diagnostic centre. Home collection is available free of charge for orders above Rs. 300. A trained professional will visit your preferred address between 7 AM and 10 PM, seven days a week, including Sundays and public holidays. Your sample is processed at NABL-accredited partner laboratories, and your report is delivered within 24 hours directly to your WhatsApp and email.