The Results for Second Line Probe Assay (SL LPA) are entered in:

• Culture and Drug Susceptibility testing (CDST) register
• Nikshay-CDST module
• Request Form for examination of biological specimen for TB
  • The fields entered are shown in Figure 1

Figure 1: Result entry for Second Line LPA
Source: TOG Annexure

Results of the First-line Line Probe Assay (FL-LPA) are entered in Nikshay and downloaded as the culture and drug susceptibility test (CDST) register.

Information on the patient, facility, reason for testing and test results are captured, and are shown in the table below.

MGIT 960 media quality control (QC) is to be done upon receipt of a new shipment or lot number. This includes checking the media visually and by growing control strains of Mycobacterium. Steps include:

• Visually check the tube for​:
  • Turbidity/contamination ​
  • Expiry date​
  • Breakage ​
  • Transport condition​

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The MGIT 960 is a sensitive instrument to be operated by trained and competent staff. To carry out the liquid culture using this instrument, following steps need to be performed.

Table: Operation of the MGIT 960 Instrument

Step 1   To load the tubes, open the desired drawer.    Once the drawer is open, select the desired workflow on the LCD display, in this case, Tube Entry.

Smear microscopy and culture play an important role in monitoring the response to TB treatment. In NTEP, smear microscopy and culture has been prescribed to monitor the treatment response and at specific time points based on different treatment regimens. The programme also explains the actions that need to be taken based on the follow-up results.

Monitoring of tuberculosis treatment is shown in the table below.