BACTEC™ MGIT™ Instrument 

Figure:  BACTEC™ MGIT™ Instrument

Key features:

Precautions for sample processing and reagent preparation in TB culture labs are as follows:

All reagents used in the laboratory culturing Mycobacteria have to be labelled.

Reagent containers are to be labelled with the:

• Name of the reagent
• Date prepared
• Expiry date
• Batch lot number
• Technician initials

Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) tubes are labeled as “GC” for Growth Control suspension in the MGIT tube specimen, similarly for Culture and Drug Sensitivity Testing (C&DST), barcode label is required for each MGIT tube.

There are many types of phosphate buffers available. However, the most commonly used phosphate buffer consists of a mixture of monobasic dihydrogen phosphate and dibasic Mono hydrogen phosphate.

By varying the amount of each salt, a range of buffers can be prepared that buffer well between pH 5.8 and pH 8.0. Phosphates have a very high buffering capacity and are highly soluble in water.

Process of Preparation of 0.067M Phosphate Buffer:

Advantages of TB Diagnostics through Culture methods are as follows:

Disposal of biohazardous waste is essential to prevent contamination and possible infection of those handling the infected specimens.

At the end of each day, Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) laboratories generate contaminated material such as:

• Used sputum containers
• Used cartridges
• Transfer pipettes.

All used materials should be considered contaminated.

It is essential to follow biosafety protocols while handling specimens and cartridges. This will prevent anyone handling the specimens and cartridges from getting infected.

General Biosafety Requirements for CBNAAT

Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) is a low-risk procedure and requires the same level of precautions, like those used for direct Acid-fast Bacillus (AFB) sputum smear microscopy:

Monitoring of quality indicators is an essential component of quality assurance for the Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT).

The annual maintenance protocol for the Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) instrument involves calibration of the machine. 

Calibration:

It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's installation guide for optimal performance of the Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) machine. This guide should be kept in the laboratory. It is important to thoroughly read the instalment steps given in the brochure supplied with the machine.

Strict monitoring of these criteria should be carried out by the laboratory personnel: