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Experts in Meghalaya using Made in India Sputum collection machines for TB detection

ANI March 22, 2025 109 views

Meghalaya's tuberculosis elimination campaign has gained momentum through the deployment of indigenous sputum collection machines. The state-of-the-art equipment, featuring an 8-hour battery backup, enables efficient sample collection and preservation during daily health camps. Under the supervision of State Coordinator Mebankmen Kharkongor, the program utilizes five machines and ten cold chain carrier bags to maintain sample integrity. The streamlined process ensures test results are available within two hours of collection, marking a significant advancement in local healthcare delivery.

"We collect sputum samples in the machine and deliver them back to the NAAT centres... the entire process takes approximately two hours" - Mebankmen Kharkongor, State Coordinator
By Shalini Bhardwaj, Shillong, March 22: The 100 Days Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination campaign launched on December 7, last year nationwide and in Meghalaya has accelerated TB detection, treatment and awareness.

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Daily camps operate from 10 AM to 4 PM collecting 5-10 samples

According to Mebankmen Kharkongor, State Coordinator- Meghalaya HLL Lifecare Limited, stressed that Sputum carrier is playing crucial role.

Mebankmen Kharkongor said, "We start our camp daily in the morning, 10 to 11 am and finish the camp by 4 pm. We collect sputum samples in the machine and deliver the sputum back to the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) centres, wherever we are posted. For example, right now we are here in the Laitkor sub-centre. We collect around 5-10, samples. We keep it in the carrier, or maybe in the cold chain pack, and then we deliver it just after the camp ends like we are just 15 to 20 minutes away from the NAAT centre. So we deliver it at the nearest NAAT centre."

He said that Made in India Sputum carrier has a battery back up of approximately 8 hours.

"We collect around 510 samples, keep it in the carrier, or maybe in the cold chain pack, and then deliver it just after the camp ends like we are just 15 to 20 minutes away from the NAAT centre. So we deliver it to the nearest NAAT centre. So in that case, we shorten the duration whereby we keep this freedom with us. So then, we deliver it to the next."

He also stated that the entire process takes approximately a duration two hours from the collection of sputum till it reaches to NAAT centre and gives results.

"We have five machines and 10 cold chain carrier bags with ice packs," he said.

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