Health laboratory facilities in emergency and disaster situations

Abstract

Emergencies and disasters demand prompt and adequate response. In such situations basic medical care is essential to limit morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases and other medical conditions. The provision of disaster relief includes the support of health laboratory services, as many infectious diseases require laboratory facilities to make or confirm diagnosis, or to collect valid epidemiological data. This publication is intended to provide information on how to provide basic laboratory services in emergency situations. It will also assist international agencies, national authorities and other bodies involved in emergency and disaster relief in drawing up contingency plans for the provision of emergency laboratory services. This publication is also a guide for establishing laboratory facilities that can appropriately respond to emergencies using minimal possible supplies and the appropriate technology