New Diagnostic Test for TB in Children

In order to simplify the management of paediatric TB, Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), has described criteria for suspecting TB among children and has separate algorithms for diagnosing pulmonary TB and peripheral TB lymphadenitis. Under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), diagnosis of T.B. among children is currently based on clinical features, smear examination of sputum where this is available, positive family history, tuberculin skin testing, chest radiography and histopathological examination, as appropriate. Diagnosis of paediatric TB through newer diagnostic RNTCP approved technologies like the Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) is also being used under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme. The Health Minister stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today. *****Courtesy: pib.nic.in