Culture‑Based AFB Anti‑Tubercular Drug Susceptibility Testing (Streptomycin) in UAE 650 AED • DHA‑Licensed Laboratory

ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Executive Summary & Core Metrics

99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity – Automated fluorometric susceptibility analysis via ISO‑accredited processing ensures precise detection of streptomycin resistance in M. tuberculosis complex isolates.
Secure Medical Courier Retrieval – Temperature‑controlled logistics for pure culture isolate transport. Specimen viability is maintained from pickup to laboratory processing.
Post‑Test Tele‑Guidance – DHA‑registered physician interprets results with you by phone, providing clinical context for your treatment plan.
Direct Insurance Billing – WhatsApp pre‑verification: +971 54 548 8731.

Book Courier Collection

Test Overview & Methodology

This advanced culture‑based streptomycin susceptibility test determines whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates are sensitive or resistant to streptomycin, a first‑line aminoglycoside used in retreatment and severe tuberculosis cases. The assay employs automated fluorometric detection (BACTEC MGIT 960) to deliver quantitative minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results, enabling physicians to tailor therapy precisely.

Feature	Our Assay (DNA Labs UAE)	Conventional Alternative
Methodology	Automated Fluorometric (BACTEC MGIT 960)	Manual proportion method on LJ medium (subjective, longer)
Sample Requirement	Pure M. tuberculosis isolate in sterile container; sputum or blood processed in‑lab to generate isolate	Often requires direct specimen with higher contamination risk
Turnaround Time	21 working days from pure culture	28–42 days (conventional solid media)
Regulatory Oversight	DHA‑Licensed (Facility 1143), UAE PDPL Compliant	May lack UAE‑specific accreditation

Physician Insight & Safety Protocols

“Streptomycin susceptibility must always be interpreted within the full clinical context—bacillary load, immune status, and concurrent anti‑TB drugs. A ‘sensitive’ result alone does not guarantee cure. Never discontinue or alter your anti‑TB regimen without direct instruction from your treating physician. This test provides critical data for personalized therapeutic decision‑making.”

— Dr. Ajay Singh, General Practitioner | DHA Registration ID: 36234132

Advisory Notice – Medication Continuity

Do not discontinue prescribed medication without consulting your doctor. Susceptibility results guide therapy adjustments, not self‑directed changes.

Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags

Pediatric Caution: In compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability, collection from minors requires legal guardian written consent.
Sample Rejection Criteria: Non‑viable or contaminated isolates; unsealed containers; transport temperature exceeding 4 °C.
Emergency Alert: If you experience sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance disturbance while on streptomycin, seek emergency care immediately (potential ototoxicity).
Drug Interaction Disclosure: Provide full list of concomitant nephrotoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, loop diuretics) to the laboratory before specimen submission.
Culture Requirement: This test requires a pure bacterial isolate; a two‑stage collection process is needed if culture is pending.

Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance

1. Why is streptomycin susceptibility testing needed when I already started TB treatment?

This test identifies whether your tuberculosis strain is resistant to streptomycin, enabling your doctor to tailor an effective, personalized regimen and prevent treatment failure. Even after starting standard therapy, resistance can emerge; drug susceptibility testing confirms the drug remains active against your isolate. Streptomycin is used in retreatment and severe cases, so knowing its status avoids ineffective medication and reduces transmission of resistant strains. UAE public health protocols require drug susceptibility testing for all culture‑positive TB cases.

2. How is the specimen collected and what preparations are needed?

No special patient preparation is required. Our secure medical courier service retrieves the pure culture isolate in a sterile container under temperature‑controlled conditions. If you already have a pure isolate from another laboratory, place it in a sealed sterile container and refrigerate until our team arrives. If culture is pending, sputum or blood specimens can be collected by our trained personnel and processed in‑lab to generate the isolate. All specimens are transported under ISO‑certified cold‑chain conditions to ensure viability.

3. The report takes 21 working days — why so long, and how will I receive my result securely?

The 21‑day window reflects the time required for mycobacterial growth in automated culture and subsequent fluorometric susceptibility analysis, which ensures 99.9% diagnostic accuracy. Faster methods are not available for pure culture‑based drug susceptibility testing. Your report is encrypted and delivered via a DHA‑approved patient portal, with a secure telephonic interpretation session with a physician. You will also receive a WhatsApp notification when the result is ready. We adhere to UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) for all patient data.

UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence

Compliance Verified

Data Protection: All patient information is processed in strict accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields. Your health data is encrypted during transmission and storage, accessible only to authorized healthcare professionals involved in your care.

Clinical Safety & Consent: Specimen collection and testing procedures follow the requirements of Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability, ensuring patient safety and informed consent are maintained throughout the diagnostic pathway.

Clinical & Logistical Metadata

Test Name	Culture‑Based AFB Anti‑Tubercular Drug Susceptibility Testing (Streptomycin)
Price (AED)	650 AED
Turnaround Time	21 working days from pure culture
Sample Type / Matrix	Pure bacterial isolate (Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex); sputum or whole blood accepted for in‑lab culture processing
Methodology Used	Automated Fluorometric Susceptibility (BACTEC MGIT 960)
ICD‑10‑CM Code	U84.0, A15.0, Z16.24
LOINC Code	29458-0
DHA Facility License & Address	DHA Facility License No. 1143 \| Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE \| DNA Labs UAE