MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | MTB PZA Susceptibility Test, TB Pyrazinamide Sensitivity Test, AFB Pyrazinamide DST, PZA Susceptibility Test |
| Sample Type | Ascitic fluid, aspirate, BAL, bile, bone marrow, bronchial fluid, sputum, urine, pus, swab, tissue, CSF and other clinical specimens |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 29 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages with confirmed TB infection requiring drug susceptibility information |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,200 |
What Is an MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide Test?
The MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide test checks whether the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB), known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can be treated with the drug pyrazinamide. Doctors order this test when a patient has a confirmed TB infection and needs a tailored treatment plan. It is also known as the TB Pyrazinamide Sensitivity Test or PZA Susceptibility Test.
What Does an MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide Test Measure?
This test examines whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria will grow in the presence of pyrazinamide at a standard test concentration. The following elements are assessed:
| Parameter | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Bacterial growth in pyrazinamide | Whether the bacteria survive in the presence of the drug |
| Pyrazinamidase enzyme activity | Whether the bacteria can convert pyrazinamide into its active, bacteria-killing form |
| Susceptibility classification | A final result of either Susceptible (S) or Resistant (R) |
| Critical concentration (MGIT) | Testing is performed at 100 µg/mL, the standard reference level |
A susceptible result means pyrazinamide can be used in treatment. A resistant result means the bacteria continue to grow despite the drug.
Why Is an MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide Test Done?
Pyrazinamide is a key first-line drug in TB treatment. Knowing whether the bacteria respond to it helps doctors choose the right medicines and avoid ineffective therapy.
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 three weeks
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Chest pain or discomfort when breathing
- Night sweats
- Persistent fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue that does not improve with rest
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify the following situations in TB management:
- Pyrazinamide resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), where the bacteria resist more than one first-line drug
- Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), a more severe form with very limited treatment options
MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Pyrazinamide is a central part of standard TB treatment regimens, particularly for MDR-TB. For patients already on TB therapy, this MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide test may be repeated if treatment response is poor or if new resistance is suspected. It is typically performed at the start of treatment or whenever drug resistance becomes a concern during ongoing care.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing correctly for this test improves the quality of your sample and the reliability of your result. Here is what you need to know.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You can eat and drink normally before sample collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following 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.
- Provide your full address and a working mobile number at the time of booking.
- 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 MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide test procedure follows these steps:
- A clinical specimen (such as sputum, BAL, pus, urine, CSF or other appropriate fluid) is collected into a sterile container.
- The sample is stored refrigerated at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and processed in an accredited laboratory.
- The specimen is cultured to allow Mycobacterium tuberculosis to grow. The bacteria must be in an actively growing, pure culture before susceptibility testing can begin.
- The cultured isolate is introduced into a Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) containing pyrazinamide at the standard critical concentration of 100 µg/mL.
- The BACTEC MGIT 960 system monitors the tube for fluorescence, which indicates bacterial growth.
- Results are compared against control tubes to determine whether the bacteria are susceptible or resistant.
- Your report is delivered within 29 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of results:
- Poor sample quality or contamination of the culture
- A very high bacterial load in the sample, which can interfere with enzyme activity and produce false resistance
- Laboratory conditions such as temperature and incubation period
- Bacterial strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations close to the critical concentration may sometimes show borderline results
- The BACTEC MGIT 960 system has a known, relatively higher rate of false resistance for pyrazinamide compared to other drug susceptibility tests
Understanding Your MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide Test Results
Results from this test are qualitative and reported as either 'susceptible' or 'resistant'. A doctor must always review the result alongside your full clinical picture. The table below explains what each outcome generally means.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Susceptible (S) | Bacteria do not grow at the critical concentration; pyrazinamide is likely to be effective |
| Resistant (R) | Bacteria continue to grow; pyrazinamide is unlikely to be effective in the treatment regimen |
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 situations can affect how results are interpreted:
- Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium bovis BCG (the strain used in the BCG vaccine) are naturally resistant to pyrazinamide. This test is therefore not useful for these organisms, and a resistant result in such cases does not indicate acquired drug resistance.
- In some settings, false resistance readings have been reported with liquid culture systems, particularly for strains whose susceptibility levels sit close to the standard critical concentration. A specialist may recommend additional testing if the result appears inconsistent with the clinical picture.
- East African Indian strains (lineage 1) can have elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations close to the critical test concentration, which may produce borderline or false-resistant readings.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips support recovery during TB treatment:
- Complete the full course of prescribed TB medication without skipping doses, as incomplete treatment is the main driver of drug resistance.
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet and get adequate rest to help the body respond to treatment.
- Avoid alcohol during TB therapy, as it may increase the risk of side effects on the liver.
- Ensure good ventilation in living and working spaces, as TB spreads through the air via respiratory droplets.
Lupin Diagnostics MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide Test Price
The MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide test cost 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 to book your MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide 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
This test checks whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium causing TB, is resistant or susceptible to the antibiotic pyrazinamide. It is performed on a cultured isolate from a clinical specimen and helps doctors decide whether pyrazinamide can be included in a patient's treatment plan.
Pyrazinamide is a first-line TB drug that has been used in treatment regimens since the 1960s. As drug resistance among TB bacteria increases, testing susceptibility ensures that patients receive medicines that will actually work. Without this information, ineffective treatment could allow the infection to worsen.
The report for the MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide test is available within 29 days. The extended turnaround time reflects the time needed to culture the bacteria and then carry out susceptibility testing.
Yes. Routine TB diagnosis tests such as sputum smear microscopy, GeneXpert, or culture identify whether TB bacteria are present. This test is a separate step performed after TB is confirmed, specifically to check whether pyrazinamide will be effective against the particular bacterial strain in that patient.
A resistant result means pyrazinamide is not effective against your strain of TB. Your doctor will adjust your treatment plan and prescribe other drugs to which your bacteria are found to be susceptible. This is standard practice in managing MDR-TB.
No. The MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide test requires specialised laboratory equipment and biosafety conditions. Sample collection and processing must take place at an accredited centre. Home collection is not available for this test.
Yes. A detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, any previous test results and relevant family history, is required. Please also carry a valid address and your mobile number for registration and report delivery.
MTB Susceptibility – Pyrazinamide Test: Booking, Price, and Results
