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  • 1.  Lab work for the bush of Africa

    Posted 07-10-2025 07:26
    Hello fellow lab workers… I have a friend who is a nurse in Togo , West Africa. She runs a small clinic way up in the Voodoo section of the country. She would like to get a small machine which can give her CBC, possibly a liver panel , some basic tests would be great.

    Most likely there are such machines, but as a retiree I dont know where or what is available. Do any of you have ideas? I have read in this area of something similar before, so I am sourcing through you!

    Thank you
    Janet Pittman


  • 2.  RE: Lab work for the bush of Africa

    Posted 07-11-2025 01:29

    An ISTAT could be a good start but getting the cartridges may be a challenge. I don't know how remote of an area that is. The ISTAT is commonly used in acute and outpatient settings and you can get cartridges to test chemistries and Hgb at the same time. 



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    Michelle Spinosa Director (technical)
    San Rafael CA
    (415)250-7273
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  • 3.  RE: Lab work for the bush of Africa

    Posted 07-13-2025 11:17

    iSTAT is good but the cards require refrigeration or their expiration dates are 14 days at room temp. If this does not work for you try EPOC. EPOC has BMP and H&H and their card is Room Temperature stable.



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    Diana Muzquiz Administrative Laboratory Director/Manager
    Fort Worth TX
    (940)442-9275
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Lab work for the bush of Africa

    Posted 07-11-2025 08:47

    Hello, Janet!

    I agree with Michelle. An ISTAT would be the most ideal device for the area and its portability. Cartridges can be finicky and it would only provide hgb and hct for heme results. However, chems and coags could be available, depending on the cartridge. 

    Some POCT device suggestions would be:

    Pixcell Hemoscreen for CBC

    Abbott Piccolo Xpress for Chemistries (liver panels available)

    Siemens Clinitek Status for urinalysis besides dipstick

    Jacklyn Asamoah

    POCT Lead/Specialist 

    Houston, TX



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    Jacklyn Asamoah Technologist/Scientist, non-supervisor (CT,MLS,MT)
    Houston TX
    (505)553-4105
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  • 5.  RE: Lab work for the bush of Africa

    Posted 07-12-2025 02:49
    Edited by James Adams 07-13-2025 00:44

    Are receiving cold chain items and internet connection a problem in this area? I am only familiar with the Lomé area.

    In addition to what has already been stated, I would also suggest some other POCT devices:

    • a glucometer
    • HemoCue
    • Abbott Afinion



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    James Adams Administrative Laboratory Director
    Piscataway NJ
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  • 6.  RE: Lab work for the bush of Africa

    Posted 07-13-2025 09:45
    Abbott ISTAT



    Original Message