The Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) is set to begin operations at its Centre of Excellence in Tuberculosis Testing Laboratory, enabling high-end molecular next-generation sequencing (NGS) TB testing, an official spokesperson announced on Monday.
The NGS TB testing, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a globally preferred technique, offers rapid and precise detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis, significantly reducing testing time compared to traditional culture-based methods.
Dr. Richa Mishra, SGPGI’s nodal officer, highlighted that this state-of-the-art lab is the first of its kind in Uttar Pradesh and features advanced molecular diagnostic tools that rival any leading global facility. In addition to culture and automated drug susceptibility testing, it is equipped with fully automated systems for expanded first-line anti-TB drug testing through line probe assays and XDR CBNAAT technology.
“NGS technology will revolutionize TB care by enabling personalized treatment plans, marking a major step forward in India’s mission to eradicate TB by 2025,” Dr. Mishra stated. She added that the facility will not only serve patients referred to SGPGI but will also act as an apex lab for managing difficult-to-treat drug-resistant cases across various districts of Uttar Pradesh.
SGPGI Director Prof. RK Dhiman credited the development of the lab to the support provided by the Uttar Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Department and Indian Oil Corporation.
According to a WHO report, targeted NGS for detecting drug-resistant TB represents a transformative diagnostic tool, offering rapid genetic analysis to identify resistance-causing mutations far quicker than conventional methods.
As reported by economictimes, this advancement positions SGPGI as a leader in TB diagnostics, significantly enhancing the ability to address drug-resistant TB in the region.