Why TB Tests Aren’t Reaching Patients

Primary-care facilities face gaps in molecular testing, chest imaging, culture, and drug-susceptibility testing

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A study of 327 public facilities across seven states and Delhi found the largest gaps in essential TB diagnostic access at the primary-care level.
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Although national policy recommends AFB smear microscopy and chest X-ray at PHCs, complete availability of both generally ranged from 0% to 10% across surveyed regions.
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Across tiers where tests are recommended, AFB microscopy was available in about 78% of facilities, CBNAAT and chest X-ray in about 51%, and fluorescence microscopy in 31% of district hospitals.
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India had 97 CDST laboratories compared with an estimated need of 283, a shortfall of 62% based on the recommended ratio to TB treatment units.
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The article calls for connected diagnostic networks, including expanded molecular testing, accessible chest radiography, specimen transport, and stronger culture and drug-susceptibility testing capaci

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