Laboratory diagnostic services in rural health centres, western Kenya

Laboratory diagnosis is an important component of the health care system. It serves as a link between the clinician and the patient. Majority of the Kenyan community seeks medical care from the rural health centres. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the diagnostic laboratory at the rural health centre level. Cross-section data collection method was used. Blood slide for malaria parasites was performed in all the health centres. Although clinic records indicate that typhoid was among the top ten diseases, Widal test was done in only 28.6%, and bacterial cultures in none of the health centres. There is need for a variety of essential diagnostic laboratory tests be carried out to improve laboratory services at rural health centres.