This Drug Susceptibility Test (DST) evaluates Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB bacteria) grown from a culture against 10 primary and secondary anti-TB medications to determine effective treatment options.

Why is This Test Ordered?

1. Detect Drug Resistance: Identifies multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) or extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB).
2. Guide Treatment Plan: Helps doctors select the precise anti-TB antibiotics that can effectively clear the infection.
3. Evaluate Non-Responsive Cases: Recommended when standard TB treatments fail or symptoms persist.

Preparation & Fasting

1. Fasting: Not required.
2. Instructions: Inform your doctor if you are currently taking any anti-TB medications, as they may impact culture growth.

Sample Collection

1. Type: Sputum is most common. Depending on the infection site, other samples like bronchial wash, fluid, or tissue biopsies may be collected.
2. Blood Draw: Not typically involved (uses direct site/respiratory secretions).

Turnaround Time

1. Because slow-growing bacterial cultures are required, results usually take 2 to 4 weeks.