MTB Susceptibility – PAS Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About MTB Susceptibility – PAS Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | MTB PAS Sensitivity Test, TB PAS Susceptibility Test, Para-Aminosalicylic Acid Susceptibility Test, AFB Drug Susceptibility – PAS |
| Sample Type | Ascitic fluid, aspirate, BAL, bile, bone marrow, bronchial fluid, catheter tip, corneal scraping, CSF, endotracheal secretion, gastric fluid, hair clipping, liver abscess fluid, nail, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, pus swab, reproductive tract secretions, swab, semen, skin scraping, sputum, synovial fluid, throat swab, tissue, urine, vaginal fluid, vaginal swab, pure culture, pus |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 29 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children with confirmed or suspected multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,200 |
What Is an MTB Susceptibility – PAS Test?
The MTB Susceptibility – PAS test determines whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, responds to para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), a second-line antibiotic. Doctors order this test when standard TB treatment has failed or when drug-resistant TB is suspected. It is also known as the PAS test or the Para-Aminosalicylic Acid Susceptibility Test.
What Does an MTB Susceptibility – PAS Test Measure?
The MTB Susceptibility – PAS test works on a culture of MTB bacteria grown from a clinical specimen. It checks whether the bacteria can be controlled by PAS at a defined concentration.
| Parameter | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| PAS Susceptibility (Susceptible) | The TB bacteria respond to PAS, and the drug can be used in treatment |
| PAS Susceptibility (Resistant) | The TB bacteria do not respond to PAS, and an alternative drug is needed |
PAS is a bacteriostatic agent, meaning it stops bacterial growth rather than killing bacteria outright. It works by blocking folic acid production and mycobactin biosynthesis in MTB cells.
Why Is an MTB Susceptibility – PAS Test Done?
This test helps doctors confirm whether PAS is a viable treatment option for a patient with TB, particularly when drug resistance is a concern.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order this test when a patient with TB shows the following symptoms:
- Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever and night sweats
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Signs of treatment failure despite ongoing TB therapy
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test is used in the context of the following situations:
- Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
- Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB)
- Treatment failure with first-line TB drugs
- Suspected or confirmed resistance to second-line TB agents
- Cases where PAS side effects or tolerability issues require a medication review
MTB Susceptibility – PAS Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Patients being treated for MDR-TB need regular monitoring throughout their treatment course. Monthly cultures are recommended for the full duration of MDR-TB therapy, and the PAS test procedure may be repeated to check whether resistance to the drug develops over time. Consistent monitoring helps doctors adjust treatment regimens promptly and prevent further resistance from developing.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for the PAS test procedure is straightforward, though following the steps below carefully helps ensure a reliable sample.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. Food and drink do not affect the sample quality or the outcome.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure your sample is suitable for testing:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Provide your full address and a working mobile number at the time of booking.
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, especially antibiotics, as prior therapy can affect culture growth.
- If giving a sputum sample, rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water beforehand.
- Early morning sputum specimens tend to be of better quality.
- Inform your doctor about any TB medications you are currently taking.
- Ensure the specimen is collected into a sterile container to prevent contamination.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process for this test involves the following steps:
- A trained healthcare worker or laboratory technician will supervise the collection process.
- For sputum samples, you will be asked to cough deeply and collect phlegm into a sterile container. At least two to three separate specimens are often needed.
- For other specimen types (such as CSF, pleural fluid, pus or urine), a trained professional will collect the sample using appropriate clinical procedures.
- The sample is placed in a sterile container, labelled and stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius before dispatch.
- At the laboratory, MTB is first cultured from the specimen. Drug susceptibility testing for PAS begins only after a culture-positive result is confirmed.
- The automated system (MGIT method) tests the bacteria against PAS at a critical concentration of 4.0 µg/ml to determine susceptibility or resistance.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors can influence the reliability of your test result:
- Poor sample quality (less than 5 ml, salivary appearance or improper packaging)
- Delay in transporting the sample to the laboratory beyond 72 hours
- Prior antibiotic use before sample collection
- Laboratory contamination during culture
- Improper storage or transport temperature
Understanding Your MTB Susceptibility – PAS Test Results
Your result will indicate whether the MTB strain isolated from your specimen is susceptible or resistant to PAS. A doctor with experience in TB management should always review these findings alongside your full clinical picture.
| Parameter | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| PAS Susceptibility | Susceptible | MTB responds to PAS; the drug can be included in the treatment regimen |
| PAS Susceptibility | Resistant | MTB does not respond to PAS; alternative second-line drugs should 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
Prior exposure to PAS or closely related drugs may alter susceptibility patterns and should be disclosed to your doctor before testing. Results must always be interpreted by a qualified TB specialist alongside your complete medical history, previous test findings and the overall drug resistance profile of your MTB strain.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness steps support better TB treatment outcomes:
- Complete your full prescribed TB treatment course without interruption, even when you begin to feel better.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and repeat tests as directed by your doctor.
- Follow infection control measures at home and in public to reduce the risk of spreading TB to others.
- Support your immune system through adequate nutrition, rest and hydration during treatment.
Lupin Diagnostics MTB Susceptibility – PAS Test Price
The MTB Susceptibility – PAS test price starts at ₹2,200 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test.
| 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 for a PAS test online booking with Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and the 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 – PAS test checks whether the tuberculosis bacteria in your body can be effectively treated using para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS). It is used mainly when drug-resistant TB is suspected or when first-line treatment has not worked. The result helps your doctor decide whether PAS should be part of your treatment plan.
The PAS test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹2,200. Prices may vary slightly by city and centre. Please check the current price at the time of booking on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
No, PAS test home collection is not available. This test requires sample collection and processing at a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as it involves supervised specimen collection and a specialised laboratory culture process.
Several clinical specimen types are accepted, including sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine, pus and various swabs, among others. The specimen type will depend on the site of TB infection and your doctor's recommendation.
The report for this test is available within 29 days. The process takes time because the test first requires the tuberculosis bacteria to grow in a culture, and drug susceptibility testing begins only after a positive culture is confirmed.
A resistant result means that para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) is unlikely to be effective against your TB strain. Your TB specialist will review the result and adjust your treatment to include other suitable second-line drugs. This is a known possibility in MDR-TB cases, and alternative options are available. However, you should not modify your medications without medical guidance.
Yes, please bring a detailed clinical history that includes your current symptoms, any previous TB diagnoses, past treatment details and family history. You should also carry a valid mobile number and a complete residential address, as these are required to process your test.
Yes, testing is scheduled seven days a week at Lupin Diagnostics. You can book your appointment on any day of the week and visit your nearest centre at the confirmed time.
MTB Susceptibility – PAS Test: Booking, Price, and Results
