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LABORATORY DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES IN RURAL HEALTII CENTRES, WESTERN KENYA

R. KAKAI

Abstract


Laboratory diagnosis is an important component of the health c :are system. It serves as a link
between the clinician and the patient. Majority of the Kenyan cc~mmunity seeks medical care
from the rural health centres. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the
diagnostic laboratory at the rural health centre level. Cross-se :tion data collection method
was used. Blood slide for malaria parasites was performed in all the health centres. Although
clinic records indicate that typhoid was among the top ten distases, Widal test was done in
only 28.6%, and bacterial cultures in none of the health centre:;. There is need for a variety
of essential diagnostic laboratory tests be carriedout to improvc laboratory services at rural
health centres.

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The East African Medical Journal is published monthly by Kenya Medical Association.

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