This Drug Susceptibility Test (DST) evaluates Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB bacteria) isolated from a culture against 5 key anti-TB medications (typically the 4 standard first-line drugs plus Streptomycin) to pinpoint effective treatment options.

Why is This Test Ordered?

1. Guide TB Therapy: Helps physicians design an accurate, targeted antibiotic regimen for initial or persistent TB cases.
2. Screen for Drug Resistance: Identifies potential bacterial resistance to essential first-line anti-TB drugs.
3. Evaluate Non-Responsive Infections: Recommended if a patient shows little improvement on standard 4-drug therapy or experiences a relapse.

Preparation & Fasting

1. Fasting: Not required.
2. Instructions: Provide a deep-cough sputum sample early in the morning. Inform your healthcare provider of any current anti-TB medications.

Sample Collection

1. Type: Most commonly an early-morning sputum sample. Other body fluids or tissue biopsies may be collected depending on the infection site.

Turnaround Time

1. Due to the required growth period for TB cultures, results typically take 2 to 4 weeks.