Under the NTEP, which molecular diagnostic test has replaced conventional smear microscopy as the preferred initial diagnostic tool at district-level Microbiological Referral Sites (MRS)?
- A Line Probe Assay (LPA)
- B Liquid culture (MGIT 960)
- C Xpert MTB/RIF (CBNAAT) ✓
- D Lateral Flow Urine LAM assay
Correct answer: C. Xpert MTB/RIF (CBNAAT)
Explanation
Xpert MTB/RIF (CBNAAT — Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) is now the WHO-preferred and NTEP-recommended initial test for TB diagnosis — it simultaneously detects M. tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance within 2 hours. It has replaced smear microscopy as the preferred first-line test at District Tuberculosis Centres (DTCs) and MRS. LPA is used for rapid detection of isoniazid and rifampicin resistance (FL-LPA) in smear-positive/CBNAAT-positive specimens. MGIT 960 is the reference liquid culture method.
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.