WORKSHOP
The MAF-TB project involves a significant component of field work, based in Bissau. Our field workers will collect, process and register biological samples from TB patients. In addition to the biosafety issue, the correct manipulation of the samples in all these steps is vital to ensure the success of the project. With this in mind, we organized a thematic workshop with the participation of our team of field workers in Bissau. In particular, we focused on sputum and blood samples.
This workshop followed the guidelines provided by the WHO. Topics presented and discussed included: the choice of the appropriate container to collect the biological sample; the options for the procedure with advantages and disadvantages for different methods; how to safely pack the sample prior to transportation; the importance of appropriately labelling the collected samples; and how to safely transport the sample from the health centre to the laboratory and where to store it once in the laboratory. In addition, the importance of informing the patient on the best procedure to obtain the sample, as well as on the aims of the study was presented. The articulation of the research/fieldwork with the collaborating health centres was also presented and the operating procedures discussed.
All topics were integrated with the information on biosafety guidelines discussed in the second workshop.
At the end a small quiz was performed, and any remaining questions clarified.
This workshop and the one on biosafety were fundamental for a successful and efficient implementation of the project.