Sensitivity and Specificity of BAL CBNAAT in Sputum- CBNAAT Negative in Presumptive TB Patients

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge, especially in sputum-negative presumptive TB patients, where conventional sputum smear microscopy often fails to detect the disease. Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) has emerged as a promising molecular diagnostic tool for early detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and rifampicin resistance. Given India's high TB burden, evaluating CBNAAT’s sensitivity and specificity in these cases is crucial for optimizing diagnostic strategies