Description
Why It’s Done:
This test is done to:
• Guide tuberculosis treatment by identifying effective antibiotics.
• Detect drug resistance, especially in multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) or extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB).
• Help doctors adjust or personalize the anti-TB drug regimen.
• Monitor the emergence of resistance in relapsed or non-responding TB patients.
Streptomycin is often used as a second-line drug, so testing for sensitivity is especially important in cases of resistance to first-line TB medications (like isoniazid or rifampicin).
Preparation:
• No special preparation is required for the patient.
• A relevant sample (e.g., sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, pus, tissue, or body fluid) is collected based on the infection site.
• The sample should be collected sterilely and sent to the lab without delay.
• Inform your healthcare provider of any ongoing TB treatments or antibiotic use, as it may affect culture results
