7.1.3
Sputum monitoring by smear microscopy in new PTB patients
National TB Management Guidelines, 2018 Edition. Chapter 7, Tuberculosis Management and Monitoring.
Clinical description
New smear-positive cases should submit sputum samples at 2, 5 and 6 months.
Other new bacteriologically confirmed TB cases can also have sputum monitoring at the schedule shown below:
Table 7.1-4: Schedule for smear monitoring in new smear-positive TB cases Month of treatment 1 2 3 4 5 6 Intensive phase Continuation phase If smear- If smear- If smear- If smear- positive, positive, positive, positive, repeat in obtain obtain obtain month 3 culture culture culture and DST and DST and DST Smear or culture positive at month 5 or later is defined as treatment failure and requires:
- Re-registration of patient as a treatment failure
- Change to retreatment regimen
- Send sputum for Xpert MTB/RIF
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