Managing laboratory waste from HIV-related molecular testing: Lessons learned from African countries.

ABSTRACT: Waste generated from HIV viral load (VL) testing contains potentially hazardous guanidinium thiocyanate (GTC). GTC is toxic to humans and can pollute waters and harm aquatic life if not disposed of appropriately. We assessed gaps in waste management (WM) policies, regulations and practices through a self-assessment scorecard and an online survey questionnaire among 11 African countries participating in a laboratory systems strengthening community of practice and receiving technical assistance to scale-up VL testing. We identified solutions from national stakeholders, technical agencies, and manufacturers to inform interventions for improving WM. Nine of 11 countries did not have WM policies/guidelines in place. Most Countries reported disposing liquid chemical waste into the sewer. Nine co

SUBMITTER: Odhiambo CO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8721957 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature