Microbiology & Immunology Infectious Disease Laboratory management Screening and monitoring Molecular Pathology

India’s TB Labs Face a Capacity Gap

Researchers identified gaps in molecular diagnostics, drug susceptibility testing, and treatment monitoring

09/03/2026 News 3 min read

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Clinical Scorecard: India’s TB Labs Face a Capacity Gap

At a Glance

Category	Detail
Condition	Tuberculosis (TB)
Key Mechanisms	Culture and drug susceptibility testing (CDST) to confirm TB and identify resistance.
Target Population	Individuals at risk of or diagnosed with tuberculosis in India.
Care Setting	Public health facilities across India.

Key Highlights

India has 97 CDST laboratories but requires 283, indicating a 62% shortfall.
Only 5% of primary health centers offer the complete set of TB tests recommended.
Acid-fast bacilli smear microscopy is available in 78% of recommended facilities.
Access to laboratory tests is uneven, affecting TB treatment and management.
Strengthening diagnostic access could help achieve National TB Elimination Program goals.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

Implement comprehensive TB testing at all levels of care.

Management

Expand CDST capacity to improve identification of drug-resistant TB.

Monitoring & Follow-up

Regular assessment of TB treatment units and diagnostic laboratories.

Risks

Limited CDST capacity may delay detection of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Individuals diagnosed with TB or at risk of TB in India.

Access to timely and accurate diagnostic tests is critical for effective treatment.

Clinical Best Practices

Strengthen diagnostic access at peripheral health facilities.
Ensure availability of recommended TB tests at all levels of care.

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