MTB Susceptibility – Capreomycin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About MTB Susceptibility – Capreomycin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Capreomycin AFB Sensitivity, MTB Capreomycin Susceptibility Test, Antibiogram – MTB (Capreomycin), TB DST Capreomycin, Capreomycin DST, MTB Antibiogram – Capreomycin |
| Sample Type | Aspirate, Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), Bile, Bone Marrow, Bronchial Fluid, Catheter Tip, Corneal Scraping, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), Endotracheal Secretion, Gastric Fluid, Hair Clipping, Liver Abscess Fluid, Nail, Pericardial Fluid, Peritoneal Fluid, Pleural Fluid |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 29 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages with suspected or confirmed drug-resistant tuberculosis |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,200 |
What Is an MTB Susceptibility – Capreomycin Test?
The MTB Susceptibility – Capreomycin test determines whether a patient's strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacterium that causes TB) can be treated with capreomycin, a second-line injectable antibiotic. Doctors order this test when first-line TB drugs have failed or when drug-resistant TB is suspected. It is also known as 'Capreomycin AFB Sensitivity' or the 'TB DST Capreomycin test'. A sputum sample is most commonly used, though other clinical specimens may include sputum, pus, urine or other body fluids and tissues.
What Does an MTB Susceptibility – Capreomycin Test Measure?
The test determines whether the TB bacteria in a patient's sample are susceptible to or resistant to capreomycin. The bacteria are cultured in a laboratory and then exposed to the drug. Technicians observe whether the bacteria continue to grow, which indicates resistance, or are effectively inhibited, which indicates susceptibility. The following are the key findings this test reports:
| Parameter | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Susceptible (S) | TB bacterial growth is inhibited at the critical drug concentration; capreomycin may be used in treatment |
| Resistant (R) | TB bacterial growth continues despite exposure to capreomycin; the drug should not be used |
Why Is an MTB Susceptibility – Capreomycin Test Done?
This test is ordered when a patient's TB infection does not respond to standard treatment or when a drug-resistant strain is suspected. The results help doctors choose the right combination of medications.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms, particularly in someone already diagnosed with or being investigated for TB, may prompt the doctor to order this test.
- Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
- Poor or no response to first-line TB treatment
- Night sweats and unexplained fever
- Significant and unexplained weight loss
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Extreme fatigue
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test is used to guide treatment in several drug-resistant TB scenarios.
- Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB): resistance to at least isoniazid and rifampicin
- Pre-XDR TB: resistance to rifampicin, isoniazid and either fluoroquinolones or second-line injectable drugs
- Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB): MDR-TB plus resistance to fluoroquinolones and at least one second-line injectable drug
MTB Susceptibility – Capreomycin Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Patients undergoing treatment for MDR-TB should have cultures performed monthly throughout their treatment course. Susceptibility testing may be repeated if the response to treatment is poor or if resistance develops during therapy. Treatment with capreomycin typically continues for 12 to 24 months, making regular monitoring essential.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before providing a sample for the MTB Susceptibility – Capreomycin test. The steps below describe what typically happens during and after sample collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. If sputum induction is needed, a 2 to 3 hour fast may be advised before that specific procedure. Your doctor or the clinical team will let you know if this applies to you.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your appointment.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results and family history, as this is required for the test
- If providing sputum, rinse your mouth with plain water beforehand to reduce contamination
- Collect early-morning sputum samples where possible, as these tend to give better results
- Do not smoke or use mouthwash immediately before sample collection, as this can affect the quality of the specimen
- Cough deeply from your chest rather than just clearing your throat; the sample must contain mucus from the lower airways, not just saliva
- Drink more water than usual in the days before the test; staying well hydrated helps loosen mucus in the lungs
- Inform the healthcare team about any antibiotics or TB medications you are currently taking
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing to your appointment
- Mention your complete address and mobile number so that the report can be shared as soon as it is ready.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The collection method depends on the type of specimen your doctor has requested. For sputum, the process typically follows these steps.
- You will be taken to a designated isolation room or well-ventilated collection area to prevent TB transmission to others.
- You will be asked to cough deeply from your chest and spit the mucus into a sterile, screw-capped container provided by the clinic.
- For other sample types (such as pus, urine or body fluids), a trained healthcare professional will collect the specimen using the appropriate technique.
- The container is sealed, labelled and stored under refrigerated conditions for transport.
- The sample is sent to a specialised mycobacteriology laboratory, where it is cultured and then exposed to capreomycin.
- Laboratory staff observe whether the drug inhibits bacterial growth and prepare a written report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence how reliable the test result is.
- Recent or ongoing antibiotic use before sample collection
- Poor sample quality (saliva instead of true sputum from the lungs)
- Contamination of the specimen with other bacteria
- Improper storage or delays in transporting the sample
- Variations in the concentration of bacteria used in the culture
Understanding Your MTB Susceptibility – Capreomycin Test Results
Results are reported as either Susceptible or Resistant. Your doctor will review your result alongside your full clinical history and treatment background.
| Result | Interpretation | What It May Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Susceptible (S) | Bacterial growth is inhibited by capreomycin | Capreomycin may be considered as part of the treatment regimen |
| Resistant (R) | Bacterial growth continues despite exposure to the drug | Capreomycin should not be used; alternative drugs will need to be considered |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain clinical situations can affect how results should be read.
Cross-resistance is an important consideration: varying degrees of resistance between capreomycin, kanamycin and neomycin have been reported. However, no cross-resistance has been observed between capreomycin and first-line drugs such as isoniazid, streptomycin or ethambutol.
In patients with HIV co-infection, TB may present differently, though the testing method itself remains the same. Prior use of second-line injectable drugs may select for resistant strains, which can affect the result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These are general wellness tips to support effective TB management and treatment outcomes.
- Complete the full prescribed course of TB treatment, even if you begin to feel better before it ends
- Take all medications exactly as directed, at the right times and doses, to reduce the risk of developing further resistance
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your progress and repeat cultures as needed
Lupin Diagnostics MTB Susceptibility – Capreomycin Test Price
The MTB Susceptibility – Capreomycin test is priced starting at ₹2,200 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available due to the specialised biosafety requirements involved in handling TB specimens.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 2200 |
| CHENNAI | 2200 |
| HYDERABAD | 2200 |
| KOLKATA | 2200 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2200 |
| PUNE | 2200 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your MTB Susceptibility – Capreomycin test online.
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The MTB Susceptibility – Capreomycin test is a laboratory test that checks whether the TB-causing bacterium in a patient's body can be controlled by capreomycin, a second-line injectable antibiotic. It is used when standard TB drugs have not worked or when a drug-resistant strain is suspected.
This test is recommended for patients with a TB infection that has not responded to first-line treatment or where multidrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant TB is suspected. Doctors may order it for both newly diagnosed and previously treated patients showing signs of treatment failure.
Results are typically available within 29 days. This is because the test involves culturing live TB bacteria in a laboratory, which takes time. For second-line drug susceptibility, results are reported after the culture is confirmed, adding to the overall turnaround time.
Capreomycin is used during the intensive phase of MDR-TB treatment as one of the injectable agents. Knowing whether the patient's TB strain is susceptible or resistant to this drug allows the treating doctor to build an effective treatment plan and avoid medications that will not work.
No, home collection is not available for this test. Specimens for TB culture and susceptibility testing must be collected in a healthcare setting with proper infection control and biosafety measures in place to protect both the patient and others.
If the test shows resistance, capreomycin will not be used in the treatment regimen. The doctor will review the full susceptibility profile and consider alternative injectable drugs or other second-line agents. Cross-resistance with drugs such as kanamycin may also be present, which your doctor will factor into treatment planning.
No fasting or special preparation is needed. If providing sputum, rinse your mouth with plain water before the collection. Cough deeply from your chest to produce a proper sputum sample. Bring your complete clinical history and any previous TB test reports to your appointment, as these are required for the test.
Sputum is the most common sample type. A minimum volume of 5 ml is recommended for an adequate result. In some cases, a doctor may request other specimens such as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or tissue.
MTB Susceptibility – Capreomycin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
