Xpert Plus

It is package that includes AFB smear, GeneXpert and AFB culture using MGIT (Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube).

Sputum (thick cough mucus), BAL (Bronchoalveolar lavage) or endometrial tissue can be used.

AFB smear is a slide based test in which microscopic examination is done for identification of TB bacilli in the specimen.

GeneXpert is a molecular test in which detection of TB bacilli is done along with identification of Rifampicin resistance.

AFB Culture is done by liquid culture technique - MGIT (Mycobacteria growth indicator tube). The system employs fluorescence to measure CO₂ released by the growing organisms and continuously performs positivity analysis.

Advantage of liquid culture is that reports are obtained early (10-14 days) as compared to solid culture (4-6 weeks). Negative reports are released if growth is not seen even after 6 weeks.

Additionally drug susceptibility testing can be done.

• Have had frequent close contact with someone who has active TB disease.
• Work or live in a nursing home, clinic, hospital, prison, or homeless shelter.
• Have HIV infection or your immune system is not very strong.
• Show any of the symptoms of TB listed above

Requirements: No fasting or other specific preparation is required. However, other test done along with this may require it, hence check with your healthcare provider for the same.

Tests included: AFB smear, GeneXpert, AFB culture

AFB - Acid-Fast Bacilli

Other names: TB culture and sensitivity, mycobacteria smear and culture

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

TB is a serious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs. But can also affect other parts of the body, including the brain, spine, kidneys, etc.

TB is communicable disease, ie, it can spread from one person to other via coughing or sneezing.

Not all people infected with TB bacteria develop symptoms. This is called latent TB. Such individuals do not get sick however they can spread the disease.Latent TB can turn into a far more dangerous infection called active TB. Without treatment, active TB can cause serious illness or even death.

When bacteria is exposed to same drug over period of years, it changes itself in such a way that the treatment is no longer effective against that bacteria. This is called “Antibiotic resistant” resistant variety of bacteria does not respond to conventional line of treatment and hence need to be diagnosed to plan appropriate treatment course for the patient.

Symptoms of an active TB infection include:

• Cough that lasts for three weeks or more
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss