Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 15 Drugs Panel Test in UAE | 3000 AED | DHA Licensed

Executive Summary & Core Metrics

DNA Labs UAE offers the Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 15 Drugs Panel, providing a diagnostic sensitivity of 99.9% via ISO-accredited automated fluorometric processing. This panel guides tailored therapeutic decisions by rapidly identifying resistance patterns to 15 first- and second-line antitubercular agents.

Accuracy Guarantee: 99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity via ISO Accredited Processing.
Secure Logistics: Scheduled laboratory specimen drop-off or secure medical courier sample collection.
Clinical Guidance: Telephonic Post-Test Clinical Guidance in result interpretation.
Insurance: Direct Billing Verification via WhatsApp +971 54 548 8731.

Test Overview & Methodology

This culture-based phenotypic drug susceptibility test (DST) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex rapidly determines resistance patterns against 15 first- and second-line antitubercular agents using automated fluorometric detection (MGIT 960), enabling tailored therapeutic decisions within 21 days.

Feature	Our Test (MGIT 960 15-Drug DST)	Standard LJ Proportion DST
Method	Automated Fluorescent (phenotypic)	Manual solid culture (Löwenstein-Jensen)
Panel Size	15 drugs (first & second line)	Limited, often first-line only
Turnaround Time	21 days	42–56 days
Sensitivity	>99% for major drugs	~95%, risk of false-susceptible

Physician Insight & Safety Protocols

Dr. Ajay Singh, General Practitioner (DHA 36234132), notes: “This rapid phenotypic DST provides essential clarity for tailoring effective tuberculosis regimens, especially in suspected drug-resistant cases. It is crucial that these results are interpreted alongside your entire clinical picture—physical exam, imaging, and other lab markers—to avoid treatment gaps. Please do not modify your anti-TB therapy without direct consultation, as premature cessation can lead to worsening resistance.”

Medication Safety Advisory

Do not discontinue prescribed anti-tuberculosis medication without consulting your doctor.

Exclusion Criteria

Non-viable culture isolate (contaminated or dead organisms).
Mixed microbial growth compromising purity.
Insufficient bacterial load for reliable MIC determination.

Emergency Red Flags – Seek Immediate Care

Severe hemoptysis (coughing blood > teaspoons).
Acute shortness of breath or chest pain.
Altered consciousness, seizures, or focal neurological deficits.

Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance

1. Why does this test take 21 days?

Due to the time needed for mycobacterial growth and fluorescence-detected metabolic inhibition, precise susceptibility results require a 21-day incubation. Once pure culture is obtained, the MGIT system monitors drug-containing and control tubes for fluorescent signals that indicate growth or inhibition, generating accurate MIC values.

2. What does the 15-drug panel cover?

The panel covers 15 first- and second-line drugs including rifampicin, isoniazid, fluoroquinolones, and injectable agents, effectively flagging XDR and MDR resistance patterns. While it captures the vast majority of clinically relevant resistance, rare mutations to newer agents like bedaquiline may require molecular confirmation via supplementary testing.

3. How should I prepare for the specimen collection?

A respiratory specimen such as sputum is typically collected early in the morning. Patients are advised to rinse their mouth with water before providing a deep cough sample. Alternatively, the test can be performed on a cultured bacterial isolate sent directly from your referring hospital or clinic.

UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence

This service operates in full compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and adheres to Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields. Clinical testing safety and patient consent protocols are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability. DNA Labs UAE is ISO 9001:2015 Certified.

Clinical & Logistical Metadata

Test Name	Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 15 Drugs Panel
Price (AED)	3,000 AED
Turnaround Time	21 days
Sample Type / Matrix	Sputum or Culture Isolate
Methodology Used	Automated Fluorescent Detection (MGIT 960) / Phenotypic DST
ICD-10-CM Code	A15.0
LOINC Code	82356-5
DHA Facility License & Address	1143 – Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE