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COST OF ESTABLISHING AND OPERATING A TUBERCULOSIS
BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY |
N Naganathan, K Padmanabha Rao & R Rajalakshmi:
Indian J TB 1974, 21, 181-90. |
This paper deals with the cost of establishing
and running a bacteriological laboratory in State Tuberculosis Centres
under the National Tuberculosis Programme, and the cost of various
examinations to be undertaken in such a laboratory. A knowledge
of the cost will enable proper planning and judicious utilization
of the resources. Further, when services are rendered to private
individuals or institutions, the charges for different examinations
can be levied on a rational basis. The place of smear and culture
examinations under the programme, the implications of establishing
a culture laboratory, the limitations of cost worked out, have been
discussed. A plan of the laboratory building is also provided.
The cost has been worked out presuming that about
12,000 specimens per year are likely to be received, of which 25%
might turn out to be positives. Non recurring cost was estimated
to be Rs.1,07,724 and annual recurring cost would be Rs.49,709.
Factors that contribute to the cost structure are overheads,
cost of material and labour. In addition, certain essential
facilities like cold room, incubator room, gas supply, washing and
sterilisation etc., add to the cost. (i) staff-bacteriologist-1,
lab technicians-4, lab attendants-3 and registration clerk-1; their
salaries, (ii) building-rent (iii) electricity (iv) furniture (v)
equipment and supplies (vi) water charges had all been taken into
consideration. The cost of one smear examination was estimated to
be Rs.0.54 and that of culture and sensitivity test Rs.9.43.
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KEY WORDS: COST, LABORATORY, TUBERCLE BACILLI,
ESTABLISHMENT. |