|
 Pooling
– Yes or No
Logistics
in Respect of Reagents and Materials
Pooling – Yes or No
Pooling of samples
could be utilized as a cost-reduction strategy for TTI screening. In 1994,
WHO suggested that pooling could be used only for HIV screening.
A pool of 2-5 samples may be used. Pooling of samples is cost-effective, labour-saving and can be used in areas of low HIV
prevalence. The system is, however, effective only if QC procedures are in
place and the assay system used is of high sensitivity. Pooling of samples is
not recommended in areas of high prevalence (>2%), in absence of training,
evaluation or quality assurance procedures, or if record maintenance is poor.
Logistics in Respect of Reagents and Materials
Logistics in respect
of reagents and materials is an important element of a reagent quality
assurance scheme. Logistics include acquisition, inventory management,
transportation, and proper storage of reagents and their efficient use
without any wastage. Inventory management is required to make the best use of
resources by developing and maintaining an efficient and cost-effective
system of stock control.
|
