An AFB-DNA (TB-PCR) Detection by Real-Time PCR with Reflex to Rifampicin Resistance by Ultra CBNAAT on Body Fluids is a specialized, rapid molecular diagnostic profile. It is specifically designed to diagnose Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB)—tuberculosis that has developed outside of the lungs in various fluid-filled compartments of the body.

Because tuberculosis bacteria are notoriously difficult to find under a microscope in liquid body samples (paucibacillary samples), this DNA-amplification test provides an essential, highly sensitive diagnostic solution.

What Types of Body Fluids Are Tested?
This panel can be performed on several types of clinically harvested fluids, depending on where the infection is suspected:

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): Taken via a lumbar puncture to diagnose life-threatening TB Meningitis (infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).

Pleural Fluid: Drawn from the space surrounding the lungs to diagnose TB Pleurisy.

Ascitic / Peritoneal Fluid: Collected from the abdominal cavity to diagnose Peritoneal TB (gastrointestinal tuberculosis).

Synovial Fluid: Extracted from a swollen joint space to evaluate TB Arthritis or musculoskeletal tuberculosis.

Pericardial Fluid: Harvested from the sac surrounding the heart to diagnose TB Pericarditis.

An AFB-DNA (TB-PCR) Detection by Real-Time PCR with Reflex to Rifampicin Resistance by Ultra CBNAAT on Sputum is a premier, ultra-sensitive molecular test for diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB).

While traditional microscopic smears look for the physical bacterium under a lens, this advanced panel directly extracts and copies the genetic blueprint (DNA) of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. It stands as a vital frontline diagnostic tool because it rapidly answers two clinical questions directly from a sputum sample: Is the patient infected with TB? and if so, Will standard first-line antibiotics work against it?

Deconstructing the Test Terminology
AFB-DNA (TB-PCR) by RTPCR: The laboratory uses Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction to replicate specific genetic sequences unique to TB. Because it amplifies target DNA millions of times, it can detect the presence of the bacteria even if the patient has a very low bacterial load (paucibacillary sputum), which a standard microscope smear would completely miss.

Reflex to Ultra CBNAAT: "Reflexing" means the laboratory automation software automatically launches a secondary, deeper test only if the initial PCR screen detects TB DNA. The patient does not need to return to give a second sample.

Ultra CBNAAT (Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test): This refers specifically to the newer GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra technology. The "Ultra" cartridge features an increased sample chamber volume and nested PCR technology, providing unmatched sensitivity.

Rifampicin Resistance: Rifampicin is a cornerstone drug in standard anti-tubercular therapy. The Ultra assay maps the bacterial rpoB gene to check for mutations that make the bacteria immune to Rifampicin. Resistance to this drug is a critical marker for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

An AFB-DNA (TB-PCR) Detection by Real-Time PCR with Reflex to Rifampicin Resistance by Ultra CBNAAT on Tissue is an advanced molecular test specifically designed to diagnose Histopathological or Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) within solid organ systems and structural tissues.

When tuberculosis manifests outside the lungs, it frequently forms deep-seated lesions or granulomas. Because the concentration of live bacteria in these dense tissues is often incredibly low (paucibacillary), traditional microscope smears and standard biopsy stains can easily miss them. This panel extracts the genetic blueprint (DNA) directly from tissue cells to deliver an incredibly rapid, ultra-sensitive diagnostic answer.

What Types of Tissue Specimens Are Evaluated?
This panel is performed on solid tissue biopsy specimens collected via needle aspiration, core biopsy, or surgical excision, including:

Lymph Nodes: Most commonly from cervical (neck), axillary, or mediastinal lymph nodes to diagnose TB Lymphadenitis.

Bone and Joint Tissue: Collected from suspected skeletal structures to identify bone TB or Pott’s Disease (spinal tuberculosis).

Gastrointestinal / Peritoneal Tissue: Biopsies taken from the bowel wall lining or omentum during an endoscopy or laparoscopy.

Pleural / Pericardial Tissue: Small structural samples taken from the protective sacs around the lungs or heart.

Skin / Soft Tissue: From non-healing chronic ulcers, nodules, or deep abscesses.