CBNAAT Test – Price, Purpose, Preparation – 2025

Table of Content

Introduction to Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Test / CBNAAT Test

Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB or Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that typically affects the lungs but can also affect other body parts. Since TB is contagious, it should not be taken for granted. If you are experiencing a prolonged and persistent cough accompanied by other TB symptoms, it is advisable to seek immediate medical assistance for early diagnosis, and effective management, and prevent its spread further. Depending on your symptoms, medical history, and other clinical evaluations, your doctor may suggest different tests. The test often recommended by healthcare providers is the CBNAAT Test. Also known as the Genexpert Ultra Test, the Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test or CBNAAT Test is a rapid molecular diagnostic test used to detect TB and drug-resistant strains of TB (Tuberculosis).

It is a gold standard test that helps detect active TB infections, which works by analyzing the DNA of the TB bacteria in a sputum sample. Doctors recommend the CBNAAT Sputum Test to anyone with symptoms of TB, who has a weakened immune system, is at risk, or has been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with TB. If you are into any of these categories or your doctor has suggested the screening, book your CBNAAT Test with Redcliffe Labs to get tested as soon as possible. Being the best Omnichannel Pan India Diagnostic Service Provider, Redcliffe Labs is readily available to meet your diverse diagnostic requirements at affordable rates. So, book your test with us now.

Test Details:

Also Known As	Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, GeneXpert test
Purpose	Helps detect tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant strains of TB.
Preparation	Do not drink alcohol or smoke before the test
Fasting	No Fasting Required
Get Reports Within	1-2 Days
CBNAAT TEST Cost	INR 2200

Who needs the CBNAAT Test?

This molecular diagnostic test checks for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and rifampicin resistance, a common indicator of multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB), and is often recommended to:

• Individuals With TB Symptoms: People with certain symptoms suggestive of Tuberculosis may need to get tested for early diagnosis and better management. Such symptoms are:
  • Persistent Cough that lasts for several weeks
  • Unexplained weight change
  • Profuse sweating, especially at night
  • Persistent low-grade fever
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Pain in chest
• Individuals With High-Risk: Moreover, the CBNAAT Test for TB is suggested when someone is at high risk of infection, so timely measures can be initiated to prevent complications. Such as
  • Who has been in close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB
  • Have a compromised immune system or have a medical condition that weakens the immune system
  • Infants, younger children, or elderly adults
  • Have certain conditions like diabetes or chronic kidney disease
  • Individuals who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke may need to get tested
• People With Suspected Drug-Resistant TB: The CBNAAT Test helps identify rifampicin resistance, an important marker indicating multi-drug-resistant TB. So, individuals suspected of having drug-resistant TB may be suggested to undergo the CBNAAT Test.

Depending on varied factors, your doctor may suggest the CBNAAT Test to confirm the cause and determine the appropriate treatment. Getting tested in time is critical to take charge of your health and prevent complications.

What are the advantages of the CBNAAT Test?

It is better and has more advantages over traditional diagnostic methods because:

• Ensure Faster Diagnosis: The test is well-known for rapid results, allowing healthcare providers to initiate treatment promptly and prevent the infection’s spread.
• Higher Sensitivity: Moreover, the test is more sensitive than the traditional Tb diagnosis method. It detects even a small amount of TB bacteria, making it highly helpful for patients with a low bacterial load or who are HIV-positive.
• Detect Drug-Resistant TB: The test also helps detect drug-resistant TB, which is crucial for healthcare providers to guide the treatment and prevent further complications.

What is the purpose of the CBNAAT Test?

• Help Diagnose TB: CBNAAT is a rapid molecular diagnostic test that rapidly detects the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the bacterium causing TB. Contrary to the traditional methods, this test delivers faster results with high sensitivity so that healthcare providers can guide treatment or preventive measures accordingly.
• Detect Rifampicin Resistance: Besides detecting the presence of MTB, the CBNAAT Test for TB also helps check for resistance to rifampicin, further allowing doctors to tailor the appropriate treatment regimen.
• Monitor Treatment Response: The CBNAAT Test helps diagnose TB and monitors the prescribed medicine’s effectiveness or response so that adjustments can be made according to the need.

In short, CBNAAT or Genexpert Test is a valuable diagnostic test that helps with rapid and accurate diagnosis of TB. So, if your doctor has recommended it, get tested at the earliest possible.

What Samples Are Used for the Test?

The CBNAAT test uses sputum and other body fluids.

Sputum Samples

The CBNAAT test can be done with a sputum sample, a mixture of mucus and saliva that is coughed up from the lungs. The patient coughs deeply into a sterile container, and the sample is collected. 

Other body fluids like Urine Samples and Pleural Fluid

The urine sample and pleural fluid may be used to detect the presence of TB bacteria.

How to prepare for the CBNAAT Test?

While it is a simple and painless procedure that requires no special preparations, general guidelines that one should follow are:

• Wash your hands and rinse your mouth with water once.
• While the test doesn’t require fasting and a spot sputum sample can be taken, giving the first sputum sample in the morning is advisable because it reflects accumulation over 8 hours. Always advisable to follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider to ensure the results are accurate.
• Avoid drinking and smoking before the test, as it can influence the test results.
• If you are on some medication or taking any supplements, whether prescribed or non-prescribed, keep your doctors informed and follow their instructions.

If you need more clarification or have any queries, consult your healthcare provider. Make sure to follow all the shared instructions to ensure the results are accurate.

What is the procedure for the CB-NAAT Test?

Here are the steps involved in the CBNAAT Test Procedure:

• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Rinse mouth with water and gargle to clear the throat.
• A phlebotomist will hand over a sputum collection container and may ask you to take a few deep breaths and cough deeply.
• Spit into the container to the marked line suggested by your phlebotomist.
• After collecting the sample, close the lid tightly to prevent leakage.
• Again, wash your hands and hand over the sample to the phlebotomist.
• They will label the container with your name and other information and send it to the lab for analysis.

Remember to follow any additional instructions provided for accurate test results. If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to take your healthcare provider’s guidance.

Why is the CBNAAT Test Important?

The CBNAAT test is important for several key reasons:

1. Rapid Diagnosis- The CBNAAT test results provide quick results critical for improving patient outcomes. 
2. Early Detection of TB- The test helps in the early detection of tuberculosis (TB), including cases with low bacterial loads that may not be detected by traditional methods like smear microscopy.
3. Detection of Drug-Resistant TB- The test can detect Rifampicin resistance, a marker for multi-drug-resistant (MDR-TB) and Extensively Drug-resistant (XDR-TB) TB, which helps select appropriate treatment regimens.
4. High Sensitivity and Specificity- The test is highly accurate and helps detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA. Compared to conventional tests like smear microscopy, it reduces the risk of false-negative results.
5. Improved TB Control- The test helps control the spread of TB by providing quick and accurate diagnosis and reducing the transmission risk.
6. Extrapulmonary TB Diagnosis- Useful in diagnosing extra-pulmonary TB (TB affecting organs outside the lungs), such as the urinary tract, lymph nodes, and pleural fluid infections.

How does the CBNAAT Test work?

The CBNAAT test detects the genetic material of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a patient's sample using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology. Here's how it works:

1. The healthcare provider will collect the sputum sample or other body fluids, such as urine or pleural fluid, which can also be used.
2. The sample is introduced into a cartridge containing all necessary test reagents and chemicals.
3. The system uses PCR to amplify specific DNA sequences of the M. tuberculosis bacteria, making them easier to detect. PCR is a process where DNA is copied multiple times, enabling small amounts of genetic material to be amplified for detection.
4. The test detects M. tuberculosis and identifies mutations in the rpoB gene responsible for Rifampicin resistance. This is crucial for diagnosing drug-resistant TB.
5. The test results indicate whether TB is present and, if so, whether it is Rifampicin-resistant. The system automates the process and makes it easy for healthcare providers to interpret the results.

Limitations of CBNAAT

• Cost: While the test is effective, it may be more expensive than traditional TB tests like smear microscopy.
• Sputum Availability: The test requires sputum samples, which may not be feasible in all cases, especially for children or patients who cannot produce sputum.
• False Negatives- Although rare, there are cases where the test can return a negative result, even if the patient has TB.
• Not a Complete TB Diagnosis- CBNAAT detects M. tuberculosis DNA but doesn't provide information on the full spectrum of TB.

CBNAAT Test Price With Redcliffe Labs

CBNAAT Test Price with Redcliffe Labs is just Rs 2200. Intended to bring diagnostics accessible to everyone, everywhere, we keep our charges to the nominal possible. You can schedule the test online and get tested comfortably from your home.

CBNAAT Test Price in Different Cities

City Name	Discounted Price
Delhi	₹2200
Noida	₹2200
Mumbai	₹2200
Bangalore	₹2200
Kolkata	₹2200
Pune	₹2200
Lucknow	₹2200
Ahmedabad	₹2200
Hyderabad	₹2200
Chennai	₹2200
Gurgaon	₹2200
Jaipur	₹2200
Faridabad	₹2200
Indore	₹2200
Patna	₹2200

Don’t Delay, Book Your Test Today!

TB, if not addressed in time, can take a dreadful shape. Therefore, early diagnosis is essential to confirm the presence of the infection and take charge of the condition before it’s too late. So, depending on your symptoms or other medical evaluations, if your doctor has suggested a Genexpert Ultra MTB/RIF Test, also called the CBNAAT Test, delay no more. Book today with Redcliffe Labs, Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab. We provide accurate reports on time so that you can make informed health-related decisions on time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the CBNAAT Test?

Stand for Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, CBNAAT Test, also called Genexpert TB Test, is a molecular test used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and rifampicin resistance rapidly. It helps with early and accurate diagnosis of TB, allowing one to take charge of their health in time.

2. What is the full form of the CBNAAT Test?

CBNAAT Test full form is Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test.

3. What is the price of the CBNAAT Test?

The CBNAAT Test or Genexpert Test Price with Redcliffe Labs is Rs 2200. So, get tested with the best diagnostic lab at highly affordable rates.

4. Why is the Genexpert Test done?

The test helps with early detection of TB, especially when the direct smear is negative so that appropriate diagnosis and timely action can be initiated.

5. Are there any risks associated with the test?

While it requires sputum collection, which has no associated risk, it is always advisable to maintain hygiene and follow your healthcare provider’s guidelines.

6. Is fasting required for the CBNAAT Test?

No, there is no need to fast for a CBNAAT Test, as it requires a sputum sample, and there are no dietary restrictions associated with the procedure.

7. How long does the CBNAAT test take?

While the test is known for its rapid results, the turnaround time may vary from lab to lab. With Redcliffe Lab, it is 36 hours, and you will get the reports within a stipulated time frame.

8. How to do the CBNAAT Test?

The test requires a sputum sample, so for the test, a phlebotomist will hand over a collection container and guide you on how to collect the sputum sample. They will ask you to cough deeply and spit the sputum in the container. This is then processed and analyzed to check the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and rifampicin resistance.

9. Is Genexpert confirmatory for TB?

The test is highly sensitive for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the bacterium that causes TB. Positive Genexpert indicates the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) DNA in the sample. Still, additional testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the susceptibility of the detected strain to various anti-TB medications.

10. Is Genexpert blood or sputum test?

It is a sputum test and not a blood test. It looks for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in the sputum specimen.

11. What happens if Genexpert is negative?

Negative Genexpert indicates no Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA found in the sample, but it doesn’t rule out the possibility of TB. Your healthcare provider may suggest additional tests considering your medical history, symptoms, and risk factors. So, follow the instructions for timely diagnosis and better management of the condition.