Guidance Note for Private Providers Supporting TB Diagnosis under NTEP as per the “Operational Manual for Partnerships under National TB Elimination Programme”

1. Identification & Screening

• Clinically assess patients thoroughly for TB symptoms.

• Refer all presumptive TB cases for upfront NAAT testing (CBNAAT/Truenat) to ensure bacteriological confirmation.

• Coordinate with the Senior Treatment Supervisor (STS) to link patients to the nearest NAAT site.

• Collect two sputum samples:

o First for MTB detection and rifampicin resistance.

o Second to be sent to the Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL) for FL-LPA and SL-LPA, if rifampicin resistance is detected.

2. Diagnostic Support

• Facilitate access to free diagnostic services (NAAT, microscopy, LPA, culture and DST, CXR) through NTEP-linked public or private labs.

• Ensure availability of free chest X-rays via public facilities or empanelled private centers.

• Ensure patients receive pretreatment evaluation and drug susceptibility testing (DST) for drug-resistant TB.

• Do not charge patients for any diagnostic services covered under NTEP.

3. Sample Collection and Transport

• Properly label, package, and document specimens using NTEP formats and biosafety precautions.

• Coordinate with designated agencies or NTEP teams to ensure timely transportation of samples.

• Maintain a logbook and laboratory register for all samples collected and transported.

• Facilitate timely transport of samples for pretreatment evaluation and DR-TB work-up.

4. Notification and Reporting

• Register your clinic or hospital on the Ni-kshay platform and obtain a Health Establishment ID.

• Notify all diagnosed TB cases (bacteriological or clinical) through Ni-kshay, directly or via STS support.

• Ensure real-time entry of NAAT and other test results in Ni-kshay.

• Provide test reports promptly to patients and NTEP staff and assist in reporting treatment outcomes.

5. Comorbidity Testing

• Ensure all TB patients are tested for HIV and diabetes.

• Refer HIV-reactive patients to the nearest ICTC for confirmatory testing and ART linkage.

• Refer diabetic patients to appropriate facilities for diabetes care and management.

6. Adherence to Guidelines and Data Quality

• Follow Standards of TB Care in India (STCI) for diagnosis and treatment.

• Maintain confidentiality of patient records and adhere to reporting formats in contracts.

• Ensure NAAT testing is done within 7 days of diagnosis.

• Ensure timely conduct of FL-LPA and SL-LPA testing according to PMDT timelines.

• Submit high-quality data with logical and consistent dates (e.g., for diagnosis, treatment initiation, and outcome).

7. Engagement and Capacity Building

• Participate in Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions and NTEP training events.

• Engage with local NTEP teams (DTOs, STS, PPSAs) through regular communication and collaboration.

• Stay updated on guidelines and contribute to program goals as a valued partner.