Rationale: Case Finding in RNTCP

The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP), now known as NTEP (National Tuberculosis Elimination Program), focuses on early detection of TB.

The primary method of case finding in RNTCP is sputum microscopy. This involves examining the patient’s sputum under a microscope to detect the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB), which indicates active TB infection.

Other diagnostic methods are not primary for routine case finding:

Sputum culture: This is more accurate but time-consuming (takes weeks), and is mainly used for confirmation and drug sensitivity testing.

Chest X-ray: Helps in identifying TB but is not definitive. Abnormal findings on an X-ray can also be due to other diseases.

Mantoux test: This measures tuberculin sensitivity but cannot differentiate between active TB disease and latent TB infection.

✅ Exam Point:
The primary basis for TB case finding under RNTCP/NTEP is sputum microscopy. This is frequently asked in community health, public health, and nursing examinations.

📌 Disclaimer: This material is for nursing exam preparation and educational purposes only. For actual clinical decisions, please follow official guidelines and standard textbooks.

💚 Exam Objective Nursing – Asha D
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