IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science (IOSR-JNHS) e-ISSN: 2320–1959.p- ISSN: 2320–1940 Volume 8, Issue 5 Ser. VIII. (Sep-Oct .2019), PP 59-65 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/1959-0805085965 www.iosrjournals.org 59 | Page Impact of Sputum Samples Logistics Coordination on TB Diagnosis in Nigeria 1* Ajani Olumide Faith, 1 Ajani Love Adeiye, 2 Abiodun Olaiya Paul, 3 Sanni Olaniyi Felix, 4 Justin Onyebuchi Nwofe, 5 Freddy Rukema Kaniki, Shaheen Mansori 1 Logistics and Supply Chain Management Department, Malaysia University of Science and Technology, 2 Department of National Integrated Specimen Referral Network, AXIOS International, Utako, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria, 3 Department West African Breast Cancer Study, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, 4 Department of Logistics and Health System Strengthening, Excellent Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS. 5 Department of Health Sciences, Eben-zer University of Minembwe, Malaysia University of Science and Technology. Corresponding Author: Ajani Olumide Faith Abstract: The quality of Tuberculosis (TB) laboratory diagnosis and effective treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis is dependent on the accessibility of TB patient to diagnosis and the quality of the sputum sample tested. This study assessed the impact of sputum samples logistics coordination on TB diagnosis in Nigeria. This laboratory-based descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja – Nigeria, using a questionnaire to collect information from 32 laboratory personnel in all 16 GeneXpert laboratories in Abuja. Data was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed through the use of tables and figures. Descriptive data analysis was carried out with SPSS version 24 and Microsoft Excel version 2016.The study found that sputum samples are being handled by the right set of professionals. However, most centres only give instructions to patients on how to obtain samples without adequate or proper monitoring system and patients are mostly allowed to cough out in open. It was also found that samples delivery and result collections are mostly handled by non-professionals (drivers and patients). The study discovered that 3PLs were the most reliable coordinators of sputum samples and results transport logistics but their involvement in the processes is very limited. It is therefore concluded that for better and effective sputum sample logistics coordination, total involvement of 3PLs is imperative as this will increase the quality of sample in line with standard guidelines, timely sample submission, and result pick-ups among other benefits. Keywords: Sputum, 3PL, logistics, Tuberculosis, diagnosis. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 08-10-2019 Date of Acceptance: 24-10-2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Introduction Tuberculosis still represents an important global public health threat and it is one of the global leading causes of death[1,2]. The cumulative human suffering and economic losses caused by TB in Nigeria is immense. In Nigeria, there are limited facilities with TB services (GeneXpert Diagnosis). In 2015, the gap between the incidence and notified cases globally was 4.3 million. Nigeria is among the three countries (India, Indonesia & Nigeria) that accounts for 50% of this gap[3]. There are over 36,000 health facilities in the country[4]. Of this number, DOTS (Direct Observed Treatment, Short-course) facility is in only 20% of the primary healthcare facilities and 26% of all health facilities[4]leaving a huge gap of facilities that are yet to be involved in DOTS services. In this light, of this effective TB samples, referral or logistic system will help to increase access to TB services in facilities or community without TB services. Out of over 36,000 health facilities in the country[4], there are only 382 GeneXpert Diagnostic sites in the country[5].Despite the ongoing active TB case search as declared by the Nigerian Minister of Health, interventions by foreign partners and non-governmental organizations, there is still limited access to TB diagnosis in Nigeria. This is basically due to challenges around quality sputum samples collection, samples packaging, and inadequate logistics coordination especially hard to reach rural areas. Limited access to TB diagnosis can result in increased drug resistance among confirmed TB cases, loss to treatment follow up and increase cases of undiagnosed TB. The major objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of sputum samples logistics coordination on TB diagnosis in Nigeria, focusing on GeneXpert laboratories perspective.