The lab computer allows the lab technicians (is that their title?) to create "worksheets" of samples with bar codes. They look for the correct DBS tests, and start setting up their trays. No idea how the science works behind all this...but the lab tech puts all the samples in order, then puts one of the little blood samples (still on the paper) into a little test tube with a reagent. That reagent pulls the blood off the paper and into the fluid, so that it can be tested for the antibodies. I think they sit for awhile on that machine (where they're in the square configuration) before they are ready to get put into the large machine scanners. The bar codes allow the machines to assign results from the trays (based on location in the tray) directly to the profile in the computer system. From what I've been hearing, consolidating all the testing in this central lab (they also run sickle cell tests, TB, malaria, and probably others) was a big success. I think there was a CHAI team working on that (maybe why our logo is on the plaque) to increase quality control, data collection and reporting, and process standardization. The CPHL website says that funding comes from the Government of Uganda and PEPFAR (United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) through the MoH (MInistry of Health)-CDC Cooperative Agreement. PEPFAR is a huge source of funding and I believe one of the few that will support the purchase of commodities (e.g. test kits) which is important because there's a predicted stock shortage coming soon. I don't know much about the MoH-CDC relationship, maybe some of my Deloitte federal friends know a thing or two about this :) ![]() I'm excited to continue geeking out over all this over the next few months. It was really cool to see things in action today and next week I'll be "in the field" helping with a lot of data collection at health facilities. We're gathering a lot of data that create a baseline for many different indicators (# of HIV+ children started on ART, % of tests given to children in the TB ward, etc.) that we'll measure against over time. Also, last night I had amazing bibimbap that, I have to say, was better than Del Seoul. I had leftovers but the power was out all day today which means no refrigeration...think it's still good?
A. Pam
12/9/2015 07:47:52 pm
You should be able to get a job at Genentech if you decided to switch area....hehe...
A. Pam
12/9/2015 07:49:44 pm
Oh, about your Korean left over...hope you didn't eat it!!
Justine
12/16/2015 12:10:38 am
Haha...I ate it :)
Mia
12/10/2015 09:31:57 am
So will you actually be doing some of the work? Or are you there to support and provide recommendations on how to streamline and smooth out the process?
Justine
12/16/2015 12:34:36 am
My team isn't super involved with the lab work (there's a dedicated labs team), but it was just helpful to get a tour since it's a big part of the process.
Shannon
1/23/2016 09:13:56 am
Your house looks so nice! (Even nicer than my house!) Are you enjoying your work out there?
Justine
1/26/2016 03:20:50 am
Hi Em! Yeah, the work is great - maybe we can skype when you guys are all together for Chinese New Year and I can tell you more about it :) Comments are closed.
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AuthorI'm eager to learn about the world around me and find that travel (and food) is one of my favorite ways in which to do so. Archives
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