Table 2. Private Practitioners adhering to ISTC* diagnostic practices in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
| Diagnostic Practices | Total number respondingto the question | Number (%) adhering toISTC standards |
| Standard 1 | 201 | 137 (68) |
| Cough of 2–3 weeks to suspect TB | ||
| Standard 2 | 198 | 87 (44) |
| Two sample Sputum smear examination for diagnosis of Pulmonary TB | ||
| Standard 3 | 176 | 93 (53) |
| Extra Pulmonary TB diagnosis based on appropriate investigations | ||
| Standard 4 | 182 | 85 (47) |
| Sputum microbiological examination in those with radiological findings suggestive of TB | ||
| Standard 5 | 155 | 75 (48) |
| Diagnose sputum smear-negative pulmonary TB based on both sputum microscopy & X-ray | ||
| Use of the right trial antibiotic* | 161 | 85 (53) |
| Standard 6 | 188 | 144 (77) |
| Diagnose Pediatric TB based on at least 3 of 5 recommended approaches ** | ||
| Standard 1 and 2 together | 201 | 68 (34) |
| Standard 3 and 4 together | 192 | 42 (22) |
| Standard 5 and 6 together | 197 | 56 (28) |
| Standards 1 to 6 altogether | 201 | 11 (6) |
*(International Standards of TB Care).
TB = tuberculosis;
*Response to what antibiotic was used as trial antibiotic. 85 (53%) used non-fluoroquinolones.
**5 approaches included history, clinical examination, Tuberculin skin testing, bacteriological evaluation or relevant investigations to diagnose e.g. cervical lymph node TB.