Module 2. Indicators of programme coverage, specimen selection, management and analysis
Assessing indicators of programme coverage
Collecting specimens for assessing biomarkers
Location for collecting samples and data
Selecting laboratories to test specimens
Introduction
The overall objectives of the micronutrient survey describe the populations to be included, as well as the micronutrients and programme process indicators to be assessed (see Module 1, Planning and designing a micronutrient survey). The subsequent steps determine the type of samples and specimens required, and how they will be collected, transported, stored and analysed. Development of recommendations concerning most biomarkers 1 and food nutrients requires analysis in a laboratory setting with specialized equipment and training. These are described in more detail in Module 3: Biomarker selection and specimen handling.
Decisions made during the planning process will influence the survey outcome, protocol development, draft budget, and equipment and supplies needed. Some points to consider:
- program coverage indicators will require knowledge of national and large-scale nutrition interventions, and may reflect a national nutrition policy;
- the selection of indicators will be based on the feasibility of collecting required food samples and biological specimens, maintaining a cold chain if required, access to appropriate laboratory capacity either in the country or internationally, and available budget; and
- the survey scope may need to be adjusted, depending on the cost of collecting, transporting, and analysing the samples and specimens required to assess the chosen indicator(s).
Module 3: Biomarker selection and specimen handling describes the options and main factors to consider in making these decisions.
Ordering equipment and supplies is an important determinant of the survey timeline, as described further in Module 9, Survey equipment and supplies and should be done well in advance of the survey. At the same time, if this is done too early there is a risk of exceeding expiration dates on the supplies purchased (for example, cuvettes for a portable photometer).
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In this context, a biomarker is a measurable indicator of micronutrient or related health status. ↩
Comprehensive lab supply list
List contains the specifications of laboratory supplies and the contact details of suppliers
DownloadEquipment and Supplies List (more complex worksheet)
Detailed spreadsheet enables the user to calculate a rough cost of the supplies and tests needed for a survey
DownloadFerritin storage and handling guidelines
Document instructs how to properly store and handle blood for ferritin analysis
DownloadFolate - specimen processing for WB hemolysate
Document instructs how to collect and process whole blood to prepare hemolysate for folate analysis
DownloadHemoCue Hb Testing QC form
Quality control form used by phlebotomists to test the operation of the HemoCue prior to going into the field each day
DownloadLot screening for elemental analysis
Document provides instructions on how to screen lots of supplies used for elemental analysis
DownloadMinimum quality assessment system for low-resource setting
Document provides useful information for laboratories in low-resource settings about the minimum components of quality assurance
DownloadOverview of cold chain logistics
Presentation to provide an overview of cold chain logistics in the field
DownloadOverview of malaria testing presentation
Presentation instructs on how to test for malaria in the field
DownloadOverview of specimen collection, processing, testing - Text
Presentation providing instructions on the collection, testing, and processing of specimens in the field
DownloadQC pool preparation characterization and tracking
Document instructs laboratories on how to prepare, characterize, and use bench quality control pools
DownloadQuality assessment system
Document provides useful information for laboratories in low-resource settings about the minimum components of quality assurance
DownloadQuestionnaire for laboratory evaluation
Document can be used by survey coordinators and external quality control programs to assess the capacity and needs of laboratories engaged in the biological assessment of micronutrients
DownloadSerum and plasma preparation instructions
Document providing instructions on how to process blood to obtain serum and plasma
DownloadUniversal precautions - ppt
Presentation to provide an overview of safety and use of universal precautions in the field
DownloadUrinary iodine ammonium persulfate method
Document instructs on how to perform the urinary iodine ammonium persulfate method
DownloadVitamin A storage and handling guidelines
Document instructs on how to properly store and handle blood for vitamin A analysis
DownloadVitamin C specimen processing for serum
Document instructs on how to properly store and handle blood for vitamin C analysis
DownloadSpecimen field collection and processing manual
Manual used by phlebotomists and laboratory staff to provide a detailed explanation of specimen collection, processing, and transport
DownloadHemoCue 201 instruction manual
Document provides the procedure for measuring hemoglobin using the HemoCue analyzer
DownloadHemoCue 301 instruction manual
Document provides the procedure for measuring hemoglobin using the HemoCue analyzer
DownloadPackaging/ shipping specimens using dry ice poster
Document instructs on how to package and ship specimens using dry ice
Download