1.

Basic module

Contains the essential equipment and supplies to establish a laboratory. Simple and robust items have been chosen.

2.

Energy module

Will provide a constant and reliable source of electrical energy.

3.

Water testing module

Will allow the testing of water for turbidity, chlorine faecal coliform bacteria and pH. It should be portable and may include a built-in battery.

4.

Microscope module

Consists of an ordinary microscope with a complete set of accessories suitable for work in harsh conditions, such as high temperature, humidity and dust. It can be connected to a reliable and constant source of electricity, run on a battery which may be recharged by solar energy, or use direct sunlight.

5.

Tuberculosis module

Contains the materials for staining acid-fast bacilli in sputum smears, using hot or cold techniques.

6.

Bacteriology module

Contains media, equipment and material for bacterial culture, if appropriate laboratory facilities are already available in the field (incubator, heat source, alcohol or gas burner, etc.).

7.

Urinalysis module

Contains test strips or chemical powder reagents allowing the detection of proteins, blood, glucose and nitrite in urine specimens.

8.

Faecal parasite module

Contains reagents for staining specimens for detection of ova and parasites.

9.

Blood parasite module

Contains material for staining thick and thin blood smears (Giemsa, Field, RAL 555).

10.

Haematology module

Contains reagents for the determination of haemoglobin or packed red cell volume (PCV), white blood cell count, platelet count and differential white cell count.

11.

Centrifuge module

Provides the means to separate blood serum or plasma or to concentrate deposits of cells from urine or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

12.

Portable incubator module

Can be used for on-site bacteriological culture and, in conjunction with the water testing module, to assess water sanitation.

13.

Refrigerator module

Necessary for the safe storage of reagents, transport media and blood.

14.

Specimen transport module (except stools)

Contains equipment and material required to transport specimens.

15.

Water purification module

Contains equipment and material required to provide clean water for the preparation of stains and reagents.

16.

Electrolyte analyser module

Contains the instruments and calibration solutions for analysing electrolytes.

17.

Cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and specimen disposal module

Contains equipment and supplies to sterilize and safely dispose of specimens. It also contains the material necessary to clean containers, slides, cover-glasses, etc. for reuse.

18.

Bacteriology-Gram stain module

Contains Gram stains for microscopical identification of bacteria.

19.

Stool specimen transport module

Contains devices and material for the transportation of faecal specimens.

20.

Serodiagnostic test module

Contains rapid diagnostic kits or reagents, except for fluorescence reagents. The kits will have to be chosen according to the available knowledge of the endemic diseases in the area concerned and of anticipated epidemic diseases.

21.

Fluorescence microscopy module

Contains either a fluorescence objective lens or a portable fluorescence microscope with associated supplies. This will permit using fluorescent antibody and fluorescent acid-fast rapid diagnostic tests in the field.

22.

Blood transfusion module

Contains devices, reagents and material for blood testing and transfusion.