CBNAAT and Truenat are rapid molecular tests, called NAAT (nucleic acid amplification tests). They detect the genes of TB bacteria in a sample and also show whether the bacteria are resistant to rifampicin, a key TB medicine.
हिंदी में सार
CBNAAT और Truenat तेज़ मॉलिक्यूलर जाँच (NAAT) हैं। ये बलगम या दूसरे सैंपल में टीबी के बैक्टीरिया का पता लगाती हैं और यह भी बताती हैं कि रिफ़ैम्पिसिन दवा असर करेगी या नहीं। सरकारी केंद्रों पर ये जाँच मुफ़्त हैं।
Who gets NAAT
The NTEP knowledge base describes offering NAAT (CBNAAT or Truenat) to all notified new patients. Children, people with TB outside the lungs, people living with HIV and other key groups are referred directly for NAAT.
How to read the result
| Result says | What it means | What happens next |
|---|---|---|
| MTB not detected | TB bacteria were not found in this sample | The doctor considers other causes, or repeats tests if TB is still suspected |
| MTB detected, rifampicin resistance not detected | TB found; rifampicin is likely to work | Treatment for drug-sensitive TB usually starts; more drug-resistance tests may follow |
| MTB detected, rifampicin resistance detected | TB found; rifampicin may not work | Referral for drug-resistant TB care. See MDR-TB treatment |
| Indeterminate or invalid | The test could not give an answer | A repeat test with a new sample |
When NAAT detects TB, the programme sends a second sample for line probe assay (LPA) and liquid culture to test resistance to more medicines. This helps make sure you get the right treatment.
CBNAAT versus Truenat
Both are NAAT tests used in the programme, run on different machines. For you, the important point is the same: a positive result means TB bacteria were found, and the rifampicin result guides treatment.
Giving a good sample
A good sample makes the test more reliable. See how to give a sputum sample.
Symptoms alone cannot tell you whether you have TB. If you have a cough or fever for 2 weeks or more, weight loss, night sweats or blood in your phlegm, go to your nearest government health facility and ask for a TB test. TB testing and treatment are free there.
Free TB helpline Ni-kshay Sampark: 1800-11-6666.
TB treatment journey trackerPut in your start date to see your phases, test dates and follow-ups, with a printable dose diary.
Track my treatmentFrequently asked questions
Is CBNAAT free?
Yes, at government health facilities under the TB programme.
Can NAAT be done on samples other than sputum?
Yes. It can be used on other samples, for example in children or for TB outside the lungs, as the doctor decides.
If NAAT is negative, can I still have TB?
Sometimes. If symptoms continue, your doctor may repeat tests or use others.
Medical review note. Written from official TB programme guidelines; last checked 16 October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, see a doctor at your nearest government health facility.