Assessment of Tuberculosis Laboratory Capacity within Meru Municipality in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important public health concern, and timely laboratory diagnosis is  essential for effective case detection and disease control. This cross-sectional study assessed TB diagnostic laboratory capacity in selected laboratories within Meru Municipality, Meru County, Kenya. Twenty-six laboratory technicians/technologists from nine laboratories were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and an observational checklist covering laboratory infrastructure, diagnostic tests, equipment, reagents, record management, laboratory information systems and internet access. Chi-square analysis was used to assess differences between  selected study variables. All assessed laboratories offered Ziehl-Neelsen staining (100%, n = 9), and all respondents reported availability of microscopes, electricity, running water and Ziehl-Neelsen reagents. Most respondents reported TB record management (88.5%, n = 23), laboratory information system availability (84.6%, n = 22), internet access (76.9%, n = 20) and centrifuges (84.6%, n = 22). However, no laboratory offered PCR restriction enzyme assay or sputum TB culture and sensitivity testing. Fluorescence microscopy and the Gene Xpert assay were each available in one laboratory (11.1%, n = 1). Public laboratories showed comparatively stronger TB diagnostic capacity than private commercial laboratories. The findings indicate basic microscopy-based capacity but notable gaps in molecular, culture and drug-susceptibility testing capacity.