Mycobacteriological Section
The Administrative Section supports the smooth functioning of the Centre through efficient coordination of administrative, financial, and institutional operations.
Departments
Mycobacteriological Section
The Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL) at the New Delhi Tuberculosis Centre is a flagship government institution dedicated to excellence in tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics, research, quality assurance, and public health impact. Upgraded to a Biosafety Level III (BSL-III) facility in 2008, the laboratory has continuously strengthened its infrastructure, diagnostic capabilities, and quality systems to support India’s TB elimination efforts. A major milestone in the laboratory’s journey was the implementation of a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with international standards, leading to NABL accreditation under ISO 15189:2012 in 2018. Demonstrating its commitment to continual quality improvement and innovation, the laboratory successfully transitioned to ISO 15189:2022 standards and was formally re-accredited in January 2025, becoming the first government mycobacteriology laboratory in North India to achieve accreditation under the revised standard.
The IRL is equipped with advanced diagnostic platforms including GeneXpert, Truenat, Patho Detect, Line Probe Assay (LPA), MGIT 960 liquid culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST), Real-Time PCR, and Whole Genome Sequencing using Illumina MiSeq technology, enabling comprehensive molecular and phenotypic testing for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB cases. The laboratory has progressively expanded its drug susceptibility testing capabilities with the introduction of First-Line LPA in April 2011, Second-Line LPA in February 2018, First-Line Liquid Culture DST (SIRE) in May 2013, Second-Line Liquid Culture DST for fluoroquinolones and injectable drugs in March 2014, and Linezolid and Pyrazinamide DST in December 2020. In December 2025, IRL NDTBC New Delhi achieved another significant milestone by receiving the first certificates of proficiency in performing drug susceptibility testing (DST) for the newer anti-TB drugs Bedaquiline and Pretomanid by liquid culture, reflecting the laboratory’s advanced technical competence and preparedness for emerging drug-resistant TB treatment strategies.
Beyond routine diagnostics, the IRL serves as an important site for multicentric clinical trials, diagnostic kit validation studies, and evaluation of novel TB technologies in collaboration with national and international organizations including the Central TB Division, Indian Council of Medical Research. The laboratory also plays a vital programmatic role by ensuring uninterrupted reagent supply and inventory management for GeneXpert, Truenat, and microscopy services across the state. Through its advanced infrastructure, quality-focused approach, research contributions, and programmatic leadership, the IRL continues to function as a critical pillar in strengthening tuberculosis diagnostics and supporting India’s national TB elimination strategy.As part of its quality assurance activities, the IRL conducts on-site evaluations, panel testing for STLS proficiency in smear microscopy, and strict internal quality control to ensure accurate and reliable diagnostic services. The laboratory also maintains comprehensive records, reports findings to relevant authorities, and supports TB control programmes through effective data management systems.During the COVID-19 pandemic, the laboratory additionally played a major public health role by initiating COVID-19 testing, training laboratory personnel, and participating in monitoring and supervision of COVID laboratories across Delhi.