Health Laboratory Facilities in Emergencies and Disaster Situations. (WHO

Health Laboratory Facilities in Emergencies and Disaster Situations. (WHO - OMS, 1994, 169 p.)

		(introduction...)
		Foreword
		Preface
		Introduction
		Chapter 1 Diseases and medical conditions commonly associated with disasters
		Chapter 2 Situation analysis
		Chapter 3 Types of laboratory facility
		Chapter 4 Selection of appropriate laboratory tests
		Chapter 5 Testing water supplies
		Chapter 6 Laboratory safety, disinfection and waste disposal
		Chapter 7 Laboratory kits and modules
		Chapter 8 Energy supply
		Chapter 9 Laboratory equipment
		Chapter 10 Supply of blood for transfusion in emergencies
		Chapter 11 Collection, storage and transport of specimens
		Chapter 12 Field laboratory record keeping and reports
		Annexes
		Recommended literature
		References
		Back cover

Foreword

Unfortunately, emergencies and disasters are widespread all over the world and many people suffer from famine, pain, injury, and infections. Therefore, there is a need for basic care and further support for emergency planning by national and international organizations.

The World Association of Societies of Pathology (WASP) appreciates very much the publication of these very important guidelines by the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of the World Health Organization. According to these guidelines, the appropriate national organizations should plan, introduce and establish basic administrative and organizational structures to be able to respond immediately and adequately to an emergency or a disaster.

The WASP supports all activities which promote the realization of a national contingency plan by local or international specialists in the field of laboratory medicine. These guidelines are an important contribution towards fulfilling the essential requirements of coping with emergencies and disasters. We strongly recommend that all relevant national organizations follow these guidelines.

Prof. Dr. med. H. Reinauer
Vice-President
World Association of Societies of Pathology
(Anatomic and Clinical)