MTB Susceptibility – Streptomycin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About MTB Susceptibility – Streptomycin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | TB Susceptibility – Streptomycin, MTB Drug Sensitivity Streptomycin, AFB Antibiogram Streptomycin, Mycobacterial Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing – Streptomycin |
| 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 or pus |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 29 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children with confirmed or suspected tuberculosis, particularly those not responding to treatment or with known exposure to drug-resistant TB |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,200 |
What Is an MTB Susceptibility – Streptomycin Test?
The MTB Susceptibility – Streptomycin test is a laboratory test that checks whether the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria are sensitive or resistant to the antibiotic streptomycin. Doctors prescribe this test when a patient has been diagnosed with TB and is not improving as expected, or when exposure to drug-resistant TB is suspected. The test may also be called the TB Susceptibility – Streptomycin test or the AFB Antibiogram Streptomycin test. A range of clinical samples can be used, depending on the site of infection.
What Does an MTB Susceptibility – Streptomycin Test Measure?
This test analyses the behaviour of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacteria that causes TB) when exposed to streptomycin in a controlled laboratory setting. The result tells the doctor whether that antibiotic is likely to work against the infection.
| Parameter | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Streptomycin Susceptibility | Whether TB bacteria will likely respond to streptomycin |
| Streptomycin Resistance | Whether TB bacteria are unlikely to respond to this antibiotic |
| Intermediate Result | A borderline response where standard dosing may not be sufficient |
Why Is an MTB Susceptibility – Streptomycin Test Done?
Doctors order this test when they need to know whether streptomycin will work against a patient's TB infection. It guides treatment decisions and helps avoid ineffective drug use.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Patients with the following symptoms, especially alongside a known or suspected TB diagnosis, may be referred for this test:
- Persistent cough lasting more than two to three weeks
- Coughing up blood or thick sputum
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- Fever and night sweats
- Chest pain or tightness
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
- Difficulty breathing
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify the following:
- Streptomycin-resistant TB, where the bacteria do not respond to this antibiotic
- Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), where resistance extends to multiple drugs
- Treatment failure in a patient already receiving anti-TB therapy
- Exposure-related drug resistance in patients who have been in contact with someone carrying resistant TB
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing correctly for the MTB Susceptibility – Streptomycin 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 your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your sample is collected:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results and any past TB treatment, as this is required for the test.
- Provide your complete address and mobile number at the time of booking or registration.
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, including any antibiotics or anti-TB drugs.
- For sputum collection, early morning specimens typically yield better results.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment.
- Tell your doctor if you have previously been treated for TB or if you have been exposed to someone with drug-resistant TB.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process will vary depending on the type of specimen required. The steps below describe the general process:
- A healthcare professional will confirm which sample type is needed based on your infection site and clinical history.
- 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.
- In the laboratory, the sample is tested against streptomycin using an automated method to detect bacterial growth and measure sensitivity.
- Results are made available after the full incubation and analysis period, with the full report available within 29 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence how reliable the results are:
- Poor sample quality or insufficient specimen volume
- Previous or ongoing TB treatment that may alter bacterial behaviour
- Prior exposure to aminoglycoside antibiotics, which can affect resistance patterns
- Delayed or improper sample storage during transport
- Mixed bacterial populations in the sample, which may produce variable readings
Understanding Your MTB Susceptibility – Streptomycin Test Results
Your doctor will review your MTB Susceptibility – Streptomycin test results alongside your clinical history, symptoms and other test findings. The result is qualitative, meaning it falls into one category rather than a numerical value.
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Susceptible | The TB bacteria are likely to respond to streptomycin |
| Resistant | The TB bacteria are unlikely to respond to streptomycin; alternative drugs may be needed |
| Intermediate | A borderline response; the standard dose may not be effective |
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 biological and clinical factors can influence resistance patterns:
- Genetic mutations in the rpsL and rrs genes account for roughly 70% of streptomycin resistance cases in TB bacteria, so a resistant result may reflect an inherited bacterial trait rather than recent drug exposure.
- Mutations in the gidB gene have been linked to low-level streptomycin resistance and may produce intermediate results.
- Prior use of aminoglycoside antibiotics can alter resistance patterns and should be disclosed to the laboratory.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips support a positive treatment outcome:
- Complete the full prescribed course of anti-TB treatment without interruption.
- Eat a balanced diet and get adequate rest to help support immune function.
- Follow all infection control guidance given by your healthcare team to reduce the risk of transmission to others.
- Follow up with your doctor regularly so that treatment response can be monitored and adjustments made if needed.
Lupin Diagnostics MTB Susceptibility – Streptomycin Test Price
The MTB Susceptibility – Streptomycin test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹2,200. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available due to the specialised biosafety requirements for 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 for the MTB Susceptibility – Streptomycin test online booking:
- 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 – Streptomycin test checks whether the TB bacteria in a patient's body will respond to the antibiotic streptomycin. It uses an automated system to grow the bacteria and observe their response to the drug. The result helps doctors decide whether this drug is a suitable part of the treatment plan or whether alternatives are needed.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report for this test is delivered within 29 days of sample receipt. This accounts for the time needed for bacterial culture and susceptibility analysis under controlled laboratory conditions.
TB bacteria grow slowly in laboratory conditions. The testing process involves culturing the bacteria and observing how they respond to streptomycin over a set incubation period. This cannot be significantly shortened without compromising accuracy.
Sample collection discomfort depends on the type of specimen required. Sputum collection involves coughing deeply, which may be uncomfortable. Other procedures, such as collecting CSF or pleural fluid, are performed by trained professionals using appropriate methods to minimise discomfort.
Yes. A resistant result means streptomycin will not be effective, but other anti-TB medications are available. Your doctor will adjust the treatment plan based on your full drug susceptibility profile.
Yes. You should bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, any previous TB diagnosis or treatment records and recent test results. A valid mobile number and complete address are also required at registration.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as normal before visiting the centre. Simply follow any specific sample collection instructions your doctor may have given you.
Identifying drug resistance early allows doctors to avoid ineffective treatments and choose a regimen that works. If TB bacteria are resistant to streptomycin, continuing that drug wastes time and may allow the infection to progress. The MTB Susceptibility – Streptomycin test cost is a worthwhile consideration given the clinical value it provides in guiding treatment decisions.
Do not stop or change any medication without your doctor's instruction. Generally, samples are collected either before a new treatment begins or when treatment failure is suspected. Your doctor will advise you on the correct timing for sample collection.
MTB Susceptibility – Streptomycin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
