Intermediate Reference Laboratories [IRL] and their role

Some Culture and Drug Susceptibility Test (C&DST) laboratories host an Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL) under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). 

There is at least one IRL per state at an identified location, usually in a secondary or tertiary level public health facility. There are 34 IRLs in India.

The IRLs are responsible for:

• Undertaking training on laboratory technologies for district and field level staffs
• Conducting on-site evaluation visits to districts for sputum microscopy at least once a year
• Undertaking panel testing of Senior TB Laboratory Supervisors (STLS) at each district linked to it
• Ensuring the proficiency of staff performing National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) smear microscopy activities by providing training to laboratory technicians and STLS

Resources

• Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant TB in India, 2021.
• NTEP Laboratory Network: Overview.

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