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Table 2 Model output describing instrumentation and equipment by tier

From: Rational design of an essential diagnostics network to support Universal Health Coverage: a modeling analysis

Primary tier

Secondary tier

Tertiary tier

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs)

Glucometer

Hemoglobinometer

Basic microscopy: malaria, stool, urinalysis

POC Ultrasound

RDTs

Automated coagulation analyzer

Automated chemistry analyzer

Automated immunoassay analyzer

Automated hematology analyzer

ELISA

Benchtop analyzers (e.g., blood gas, NAAT)

Microscopy with stains (e.g., gram stains, AFB, trichrome, india ink)

Bacterial culture (identification, antimicrobial susceptibility)

Ultrasound

X-ray

Additional analytes on automated analyzers

Fungal & TB culture

Automated nucleic acid analyzer

HPLC

Fluorescent spot (G6PD)

Immunofluorescence microscopy

Transfusion testing

Flow cytometry

Histopathology

Immunohistopathology

Cytopathology

Advanced breast imaging

Computed tomography

Echocardiogram

Fluoroscopy

Basic interventional radiology

Complex interventional radiology

Mammography

MRI

Nuclear radiology

Positron Emission Tomography

  1. All diagnostics available at lower tier levels are also available at higher tier levels but are unlisted in this table. Tests may be performed in different formats at different tiers or even within the same tier, and placement of all formats may not be necessary
  2. Abbreviations: ELISA Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, G6PD Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase deficiency, AFB Acid-fast bacteria, NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test), POC Point-of-care, HPLC High performance liquid chromatography