MTB Complex Bacterial Load Test
Short Name: MTB Bacterial Load
Also known as: MTB PCR, TB Bacterial Load Test, Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex PCR
MTB Complex Bacterial Load Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹5,100. Uses Real-Time PCR on Sputum, C.S.F., Pleural fluid, Synovial fluid, Pus, Tissue, Bronchial lavage, Urine, Endometrial, Culture Cells, Biopsy, Fine Needle Aspirations, Ascites samples. Results in Reports are available on the 3rd working day after sample collection. Email reports are sent within 36 hours of result generation, and phone support is available 24 hours.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the MTB Complex Bacterial Load Test is to confirm the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in clinical samples, quantify the bacterial load, and monitor the efficacy of anti-tubercular therapy. It helps differentiate TB from other mycobacterial infections and is crucial for early diagnosis, especially in immunocompromised patients or when conventional tests are inconclusive.
- Test Code
- 6181
- CPT Code
- 87556
- ICD Code
- A15.0
- Price
- ₹5,100
- Sample Type
- Sputum, C.S.F., Pleural fluid, Synovial fluid, Pus, Tissue, Bronchial lavage, Urine, Endometrial, Culture Cells, Biopsy, Fine Needle Aspirations, Ascites
- Result Time
- Reports are available on the 3rd working day after sample collection. Email reports are sent within 36 hours of result generation, and phone support is available 24 hours.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real-Time PCR
Sample Collection
No special preparation required. However, patients should provide a detailed clinical history and sign a consent document as per laboratory policy.
Method: Expectoration, aspiration, or biopsy as applicable
Laboratory Analysis
Sample collection is performed by trained healthcare professionals. For sputum, patients are instructed to cough deeply to produce sputum from the lungs. For other fluids, aseptic techniques are used.
Report Delivery
The sample is immediately transported to the laboratory. Patients can resume normal activities. Results are typically available within 3 working days.
Timeline: Reports are available on the 3rd working day after sample collection. Email reports are sent within 36 hours of result generation, and phone support is available 24 hours.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the MTB Complex Bacterial Load Test is to confirm the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in clinical samples, quantify the bacterial load, and monitor the efficacy of anti-tubercular therapy. It helps differentiate TB from other mycobacterial infections and is crucial for early diagnosis, especially in immunocompromised patients or when conventional tests are inconclusive.
How to Prepare
- Collect sputum in a sterile, wide-mouth container
- For CSF/pleural fluid, use aseptic technique and sterile tubes
- Label the container with patient name, date, and time of collection
- Transport samples to the lab at 2-8°C if delay is expected
- Avoid contamination with saliva or food particles
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"The MTB Complex Bacterial Load Test is essential for diagnosing and monitoring pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Early detection helps initiate timely therapy and reduce transmission."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Improperly labeled samples
- Samples received in inappropriate containers
- Samples with excessive contamination or leakage
- Samples stored beyond recommended stability time
- Insufficient sample volume
Understanding Your Results
Negative
No MTB complex DNA detected. TB is unlikely, but clinical correlation is advised.
Positive - Low
MTB complex DNA detected with low bacterial load. Suggestive of active infection; clinical correlation required.
Positive - Moderate
MTB complex DNA detected with moderate bacterial load. Consistent with active TB.
Positive - High
MTB complex DNA detected with high bacterial load. Indicates high infectivity and active disease.
Consult a physician immediately if you experience persistent cough, blood in sputum, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for TB management.
Limitations
- ⚠Cannot differentiate live from dead bacteria
- ⚠May not detect very low bacterial loads (below limit of detection)
- ⚠Requires skilled personnel and specialized equipment
- ⚠False negatives possible if sample is not representative
- ⚠Not a substitute for culture-based drug susceptibility testing
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal risk of bleeding or infection at collection site (for invasive procedures)
- ●Discomfort during sputum collection
- ●No radiation exposure
Interfering Factors
- ●Improper sample collection or storage
- ●Contamination with non-tuberculous mycobacteria
- ●Inhibitors in the sample (e.g., blood, mucus)
- ●Prior antibiotic therapy may reduce bacterial load
- ●Cross-reactivity with other mycobacterial species
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | MTB Complex Bacterial Load Test | Sputum Smear Microscopy | MGIT Culture | CBNAAT (GeneXpert) | Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | MTB Complex Bacterial Load Test | Faster and cheaper but less sensitive; cannot differentiate species. | Gold standard for diagnosis and drug susceptibility testing, but takes weeks. | Rapid and detects rifampicin resistance; similar sensitivity to PCR. | Blood test for latent TB; cannot distinguish active from latent. |
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