MTB Detection Test

Mycobacterium tuberculosis or MTB is the causative agent of the deadly disease tuberculosis. This bacterium contains the mycolic acid and spreads tuberculosis through its cell covering. The MTB Detection test is a diagnostic test that examines the presence of this bacterium via nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). This test was developed in the US and sponsored by the WHO for countries suffering from TB epidemic. Its main purpose is to detect tuberculosis and its stage so as to initiate the proper treatment at the right time. The test is a painless procedure and provides the results in usually 2 hours.

The test involves the collection of a sputum sample to detect the bacteria in it. There are no special preparations required as such. You can consult the doctor regarding your daily intake of medicines. The doctor may suggest you avoid OTC drugs and medicines that will lead to false results. Before the test, you only need to prepare a good amount of the cough for the appropriate sample collection. Do not use any kind of mouthwash while brushing. Wash your mouth thoroughly with water so that the coughing does not contain a lot of salivae.

The MTB Detection test is an important examination of the tuberculosis-causing bacteria. The test examines the presence and the extent of the MTB bacteria. It helps the doctor in initiating a treatment suitable for the patient’s condition. It is also recommended for patients suspected of HIV related to TB. WHO recommends this test in the place of microscopy in certain situations.

The test collects a sample of your sputum. The healthcare practitioner will provide you with a clean cup for spitting the sputum. You have to take slow and deep breaths to build a certain amount of the cough in your chest. You are required to cough very hard and spit the sputum in the cup. Repeat these steps till the required amount of sample is collected. This specimen is then tested through the process of nucleic acid amplification test.