TB Expert (Truenat) Test: Booking, Price, and Results

The TB Expert (Truenat) test is a qualitative test, meaning it gives a "detected" or "not detected" result rather than a numerical value. The test analyses the following:

If the initial result is positive, a reflex test (Truenat MTB-RIF Dx) can be run on the same extracted DNA to check for drug resistance.

Preparation for this test is straightforward. However, following these steps helps ensure the sample is of adequate quality.

Do You Need to Fast?

No fasting is required before this test. You should, however, rinse your mouth with plain water just before producing the sputum sample to remove food particles and mouth bacteria. Do not eat, drink, or use mouthwash immediately before collection. Always follow specific instructions provided by your doctor or laboratory.

Practical Tips Before Your Test

Please keep the following in mind before your test:

• Rinse your mouth with plain water just before giving the sputum sample to avoid contamination from food particles or mouth bacteria.
• An early-morning sputum sample is preferred, as bacteria tend to be more concentrated at that time.
• Inform your doctor about any anti-TB medications or antibiotics you are currently taking, as prior antibiotic use may reduce test sensitivity.
• Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.

Step-by-Step Procedure

The TB Expert test procedure involves collection of a clinical specimen, which may vary depending on the type of TB suspected. For the most common sputum-based collection, the steps are as follows:

1. You will be given a sterile, wide-mouthed container for sputum collection.
2. Rinse your mouth with plain water to remove food debris and mouth bacteria.
3. Move to the designated outdoor or well-ventilated collection area to reduce the risk of spreading infection to others.
4. Take a few slow, deep breaths, then cough deeply from your chest. Spit the mucus that comes up directly into the container. Saliva alone is not a suitable sample.
5. Once you have collected enough material, seal the container tightly and hand it to the lab personnel.
6. For non-sputum specimens (such as pus, urine, CSF, or tissue), a trained healthcare professional will collect the relevant sample using the appropriate sterile technique, depending on the site of suspected infection.
7. The sample is transported to the laboratory under refrigerated conditions (2 to 8°C) for processing.
8. In the laboratory, automated DNA extraction is performed, followed by real-time PCR analysis on the Truenat device to detect MTB DNA.

Factors That Can Affect Accuracy

The following factors may affect the reliability of your result:

• Providing saliva instead of sputum (deep coughing is essential to produce a true sputum sample)
• Collecting the sample at a suboptimal time (early morning is preferred)
• Prior or ongoing antibiotic or anti-TB treatment
• Inadequate sample volume
• Improper storage or transport of the sample

While TB is an infection rather than a lifestyle condition, the following general wellness tips can support your respiratory health and reduce susceptibility:

• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet and maintain a healthy weight to support immune function.
• Practise good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth when coughing and ensuring adequate ventilation in your living and working spaces.
• If you have conditions such as diabetes or HIV that increase TB susceptibility, work with your doctor to keep them well managed.

Follow these steps for TB Expert test online booking:

1. Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
2. Choose your city and preferred time slot.
3. Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
4. Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.

Home Collection

TB Expert test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A trained professional visits your home to guide you through proper sputum sample collection and ensures the sample is transported correctly to the laboratory. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and digital reports are accessible via email or WhatsApp.