Standardization of clinical laboratories in Africa: a multidisciplinary approach to identify innovative and sustainable technical solutions

摘要

The present work develops a new, up-to-date, standardized model for African health laboratories. Authors suggest lists of procedures to challenge the major African health problems - HIV/AIDS, malaria, tubercolosis - at each level of pyramidal health system. The more appropriate equipment have been proposed to perform the foreseen techniques; suitability of appliances has been evaluated with regards to international, recognized recommendations, reported experiences in the field and availability of innovative solutions that can be performed on site in rural areas, requiring minimal sample preparation and little technical expertise. This model will hopefully support the NGO Doctors with Africa-CUAMM in its activities in sub-Saharan hospitals, providing them a guideline to programme future interventions. Effectiveness of the standard has been tested on different case studies managed by CUAMM itself.