TITLE:
Diagnostic Capacity for Tuberculosis in Various Laboratories within Meru County, Kenya
AUTHORS:
David Mwenya Nakitare, Patrick Mutharia Ndiba, Frank Onyambu, Sarah Wandili
KEYWORDS:
Diagnostic Capacity, Tuberculosis
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Tuberculosis Research,
Vol.7 No.4,
December
18,
2019
ABSTRACT: Background: The Division of Leprosy, Tuberculosis and Lung Disease reported a notification rate of 217/100,000 in Meru County. This study aimed at determining diagnostic capacity for tuberculosis in various medical laboratories within Meru County. Objective: To determine the diagnostic capacity for tuberculosis in various laboratories within Meru County. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey which utilized quantitative techniques to establish the potential and capacity of TB diagnostic laboratories in selected medical institutions. Observational checklist was used to determine essential requirements for sample processing. Data entry was done through use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Data analysis was done using Chi-square. Results: Results indicated that there was significant difference in laboratory diagnostic capacity at [χ2 (1 df, N = 26) = 18.49, p = 0.000 2 (1 df, N = 26) = 18.49, p = 0.000 Conclusion: Public operated laboratories had enhanced Tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic capacity as compared to the private laboratories.