Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), Truenat is a novel molecular diagnostic tool introduced for TB detection. Which of the following best describes the correct placement of Truenat in the NTEP diagnostic algorithm?
- A Standalone confirmatory test at the district level only
- B Initial diagnostic test for TB at Designated Microscopy Centres (DMCs) and health facilities, with reflex rifampicin resistance testing ✓
- C Point-of-care test at the sub-centre level for community screening
- D Replacement for CBNAAT (GeneXpert) in all settings
Correct answer: B. Initial diagnostic test for TB at Designated Microscopy Centres (DMCs) and health facilities, with reflex rifampicin resistance testing
Explanation
Truenat is deployed at Designated Microscopy Centres and peripheral health facilities as an initial diagnostic test for TB with reflex rifampicin resistance detection. It does not replace CBNAAT but serves as a near-point-of-care molecular test at lower-level facilities where CBNAAT is unavailable.
Reference: National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, Diagnostic Algorithm for TB, Central TB Division, 2022 ed.
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