Introduction of Point of Care Testing for Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis Patients

The Ethiopian National TB Program (NTP) has made important contributions to the decentralization of multidrug-resistant (MDR) treatment and follow-up sites across the country. In an effort to alleviate the challenges related to electrolyte analysis, the USAID-funded Challenge TB project and the Ethiopian Health Research Institute introduced the i-STAT point-of-care (POC) analyzer to be used at treatment initiating centers (TICs) to ensure bedside laboratory follow-up tests to improve the quality of care. This technical highlight describes implementation highlights, achievements, and recommendations to improve quality of TB care.