Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis is detected by smear microscopy, molecular tests like CBNAAT (Cartridge based nucleic Acid Amplification test) or Truenat, Line Probe assays (LPA) and phenotypic tests like solid Culture and liquid Culture. Yet every year there are many cases which go undiagnosed due to lack of information, availability, and accessibility to these tests. Presumptive Examination rate helps us to understand the scenario of existing individuals having any one of the symptoms of TB diagnosing TB and thus helping in detecting Tb cases much earlier. Interventions: A quality analysis and assessment were conducted to identify the reasons for the high and low Presumptive Examination Rates across all districts in Telangana, India. The availability of CBNAATs and truenats machines at the periphery level helped in increasing the number of tests in the year 2022. The state ensured the availability of logistics such as CBNAAT cartridges and Truenat chips. Extensive IEC efforts were carried out at both district and block levels to promote the availability of NAATs, aiming for optimal utilization of the machines for patients seeking care in both the public and private sectors. Results: The Presumptive examination rate, which was significantly lower in the year 2015 gradually, increased in the year 2022 with adequate availability of logistics in the NAAT facilities. This intervention not only increased the presumptive examination rate but also boosted TB detection rates and utilization of the public sector NAAT facilities by the private sector. Conclusions: Analyzing the Presumptive Examination Rate provides insights into the availability and accessibility of facilities, the sufficiency of logistics, and the utilization of services across all sectors. This understanding aids in developing more effective strategies to make TB diagnostics more accessible.

Keywords

quality analysis, diagnostics, global health, resources