5.3.2.2. Public Health Laboratory

Lab Professionals and Specialists:

• Immediately confirm cases of notifiable disease that are considered in International Health Regulations Annex II (6.4.1.1), epidemic-prone diseases or cases as part of an outbreak to EpiU.
• Weekly reporting of confirmed cases of notifiable communicable diseases to EpiU diagnosed in the laboratory (6.4.1.1 and 6.4.1.2).
• Weekly reporting of confirmed cases of notifiable communicable diseases to external agencies as agreed upon with Epidemiology Unit.
• Weekly reporting of confirmed cases of priority communicable diseases to EpiU, where samples are sent outside the country and results received by the laboratory.
• Immediate reporting of errors in diagnosis of any case previously notified.
• Weekly reporting to EpiU including a line list of cases with demographic information of case, diagnosis, type of diagnostic test and contact information of case.
• Monthly report for Influenza, SARS Cov2 and other acute viral respiratory infections, including genomic surveillance (referring samples outside) from Sentinel Sites to EpiU and Infectious Diseases Unit.
• Monthly report of identified antimicrobial resistance patterns and indicators to the hospital services and EpiU.
• Implementation of lab techniques that satisfy the needs of the medical services and surveillance in close coordination with MOH. (See updates lab manuals in bibliography).
• Provide the guidelines and SOP for sample collection and transport related to syndromic Surveillance and possible etiologies for communicable diseases, water and food or other chemical agents.
• Training new staff in the collection of samples
• Providing feedback for sample quality to HC/Hospital sending it
• Ensuring adherence to international norms of transport and shipping when sending samples to labs outside of the country.
• As a member of the outbreak investigation team, in the event of an outbreak, ensure proper sample collection, preservation, and transport, and confirm the etiologic or causative agent or request international technical support.

Medical Technologists

• Collection and testing of biological samples to diagnose and treat different diseases.
• Prepare and examine specimen samples for abnormalities and communicate test results to lab professionals and specialists, and other medical professionals.
• Ensuring that operations are conducted in adequate safety procedures and that they are extensively knowledgeable of medical technology and equipment.
• Verification of test results
• Write-up of lab reports, and share information with relevant bodies.
• Maintenance of laboratory inventory
• Record keeping – keep statistical records of laboratory records.
• Assess and maintain laboratory equipment.

Data Entry Clerks:

• Accurately input laboratory data into the computer system in a timely manner using various software applications utilised.
• Verify the accuracy of the data entered by having SOPs for checks and making any necessary corrections.
• Aid in the basic analysis of data to identify any patterns or trends.
• Ensure that all records are maintained, and data is properly organized and stored.
• Consistently communicate with Medical Technologists and Laboratory Professionals / Specialists to ensure that the data is entered correctly.
• Ensure all new data entry clerks are trained in – inputting data, ensuring data quality, basic analysis, maintaining records, and storing / organizing data.