ABSTRACT
Parallel to the development in the promotive, preventive; curative services in primary health care are expected to achieve more specially with the concomitant implementation of the referral system and family health record. Aim of this study is to assess the laboratory services in PHC and district hospitals and to evaluate the referral link as regards laboratory services between the two levels. This was across sectional descriptive study during 2002. In this study, all laboratories either in PHC units or hospitals in the five districts assigned for the Health System Upgrading Project II. A pre-designed pre-tested questionnaire form including data about the laboratory workers, their qualifications, and training experience. In addition, data about laboratory basic sanitary requirements, equipments, supplies and its logistics was collected. Referral system between the two levels will be investigated among a sub-sample of PHC laboratory in each district to explore the aspects of strengths and weakness if it is actually exists. Manpower was mainly laboratory technicians who were evenly distributed in different districts. The 2[nd] majority was assistant laboratory technician and they were mainly in Dyrute and Somosta [upper Egypt] 51/62 [82.3%]. Unqualified laboratory worker comes third. Doctors were only 8, and there was one District hospital [somosta] laboratory without a clinical pathologist. Although the mean duration of work as a laboratory Personnel was 13.3 +/- 9.6 years for PHC workers and 11.9 +/- 9.5 years for hospital laboratory personnel, the percentage of those not attending any training course was 54.2% [116/214]. A declining percentage for attending one course, two courses and three courses among PHC personnel and still lower of hospital personnel. Basic sanitary needs: were almost satisfactory except for few PHC units in Dyrute and kantara Gharb. Laboratory equipment and laboratory materials: PHC laboratory and hospital laboratory are generally satisfactory. Some vital equipment are deficient in some hospitals. The need for maintenance besides is vital training of available personnel to use such equipment. Materials for its proper utilization are essential. Needs for redistribution of some materials between hospital laboratories is recommended. Laboratory registration forms: Registration book is the only format we can consider satisfactory. Other format is either not available or available and neglected in some PHC and Hospital lab. The need for maintenance is vital, training of available personnel to use such equipment. Materials for its utilization are essential. Need for redistribution of some materials between hospital laboratories is recommended. Foundation for referral link is vital