Under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP-IV/V), which of the following is the CORRECT definition of a Lost to Follow-Up (LTFU) patient on ART?
- A Missing a single ART dose
- B Not collected ART for more than 28 days after the scheduled pick-up date ✓
- C CD4 count falling below 200 cells/µL despite ART
- D Defaulting from ART for any duration
Correct answer: B. Not collected ART for more than 28 days after the scheduled pick-up date
Explanation
NACP/NACO defines LTFU as a patient who has not collected ART for more than 28 consecutive days from the last scheduled pick-up date. This definition is aligned with WHO and used for programme monitoring. Missing a single dose or transient gaps do not constitute LTFU; CD4 decline defines treatment failure rather than LTFU.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.