Diagnostic Capacity for Tuberculosis in Various Laboratories within Meru County, Kenya

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 < 0.05] for Florescence microcopy and [χ2 (1 df, N = 26) = 18.49, p = 0.000 < 0.05] for Gene Xpert Assay. There were significant differences in the diagnostic capacity of TB between public and private/commercial laboratories in relation to availability of the resources. Conclusion: Public operated laboratories had enhanced Tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic capacity as compared to the private laboratories.