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Microbiology Fever & Infection Home collection available

TB Expert MTB/RIF (Gene Expert) (Pulmonary)

Parameters1 tested
SampleBlood
FastingNot required
Report in2-3 days

How to prepare

No fasting needed

You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Good to know

No special preparation needed.

Medicines

Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.

Comfortable clothes

Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.

How it works

Book onlinePick a time slot
Home visitSealed, sterile kit
Lab testingBarcode tracked
ReportIn 2-3 days

About this test

Gene Xpert (CBNAAT) is a rapid molecular test that detects TB germs and also tells if they are resistant to rifampicin, a key TB medicine. Results come within a few hours.

Why is this test done?

  • Quickly confirm lung TB
  • Detect rifampicin-resistant TB
  • Test sputum when smear is negative

Symptoms — when should you get tested?

  • Cough for more than 2 weeks
  • Fever and night sweats
  • Weight loss
  • Coughing up blood

Normal range

MTB Not detected
Rifampicin resistance Not detected

Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.

If your result is high

MTB detected means TB is present. If rifampicin resistance is detected, treatment for drug-resistant TB is needed.

Common reasons
  • Pulmonary tuberculosis
  • Rifampicin-resistant or multidrug-resistant TB

How is the test done?

  1. 1
    Book online

    Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.

  2. 2
    Blood sample taken

    A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.

  3. 3
    Tested in our lab

    Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.

  4. 4
    Report on WhatsApp

    A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.

Frequently asked questions

Usually an early morning sputum sample.

No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.

Your report is usually ready in 2-3 days after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.

Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.

This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.

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