The Sankara Nethralaya referral laboratory, as part of its deep commitment to quicker diagnosis and better management of tuberculosis has introduced the ‘Gene Xpert MTB/RIF Assay, code number-493, a World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed, revolutionary process which dramatically reduces the waiting time for diagnostic reports on both tuberculosis and multi drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) from the current 2 to 3 weeks to an incredible less than 2 hours. Furthermore the rapid detection of multi bacterium resistant tuberculosis, which is characterized by resistance to ISONIAZID and RIFAMPICIN two potent, front line drugs in the treatment of tuberculosis, assumes great importance as it enables the physician in selecting appropriate treatment regimens and reaching infection control decisions quickly rather than wait for 2 to 6 weeks the time it takes Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) to grow in standard culture process, with conventional drug resistance tests adding 3 more weeks to the process after isolation of M.Tuberculosis.  This highly critical test is conducted at the Sankara Nethralaya referral laboratory’s ‘Revised National Tuberculosis Control program’ (RNTCP) recognized Mycrobacteriology section.

The Sankara Nethralaya referral laboratory offers this highly critical test to patients at a most affordable cost of Rs 2000/ per test, a highly subsidized price, made possible thanks to the lab being enlisted as a member in the ‘Initiatives for promoting affordable quality TB tests’ (IPAQT). Patients wishing to avail the service can do so by submitting their clinical specimen at the Sankara Nethralaya Referral laboratory, 2^nd floor, Jayalakshmi Estate, Haddows Road, Chennai-6. For any further clarifications kindly contact Dr.  M.Sowmiya of SN Referral laboratory (Contact no. through Intercom No.6425)

Email ID: drsowmiya@snmail.org vrfreflab@snmail.org drhnm@snamail.org