Critical appraisal of tuberculosis dots diagnostic centers in lahore district

In dots strategy sputum smear microscopy in diagnostic centre's is the main tool for diagnosis of the tuberculosis,unfortunately it is the most neglected component of the program so appraisal of the diagnostic centers working under dots program in lahore district regarding the physical infrastructure,quality and quantity of lab supplies,human resource was done to identify their gaps and weaknesses. the study was conducted in lahore district from october 2007 to december 2007. it was cross a sectional descriptive study,for which data was collected with the help of check lists. there are 40 diagnostic centers in the lahore district out of which 30 (75%) centers were functional. all the functional diagnostic centers did not have facilities according to who standards. separate area for tb work was available in only 8 (26%) dcs. safety standards were grossly deficient,adequate ventilation was present in 18 (60%) centers,disinfectant available in 9 (30%) centers and only 8 (26%) workers wore lab coats. waste disposal practices were another neglected area found in the study: 28 (93%) centers were disposing the waste without prior disinfection while incineration of sputum containers was being done in only 4 (13%) dcs. it is concluded that non-functional centers should be made functional and deficiencies at the functional diagnostic centers should be rectified.