AJLM 9(1)_2020_Contents.indd


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Table of Contents

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Original Research
Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus protein ORF75 among HIV-1 
patients in Kenya
Rodgers N. Demba, Sylviah M. Aradi, Matilu Mwau, Walter O. Mwanda
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a939 | 25 August 2020

Original Research
Prevalence and risk factors for red blood cell alloimmunisation among 
sickle cell patients in Mwanza City, Tanzania
Erius Tebuka, Mwesige Charles, Jeffer O. Bhuko
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a823 | 10 September 2020

Original Research
Fluorescence microscopy for the diagnosis of smear-negative pulmonary 
tuberculosis in Ethiopia
Gemeda Abebe, Dossegnaw Aragaw, Mulualem Tadesse
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a810 | 28 September 2020

Original Research
Using Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine clinical term codes to 
assign histological findings for prostate biopsies in the Gauteng province, 
South Africa: Lessons learnt
Naseem Cassim, Ahsan Ahmad, Reubina Wadee, Jaya A. George, Deborah 
K. Glencross
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a909 | 28 September 2020

Original Research
Development of dried tube specimens for Xpert MTB/RIF proficiency testing
Kyle DeGruy, Katherine Klein, Zilma Rey, Patricia Hall, Andrea Kim, Heather 
Alexander
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1166 | 29 September 2020

Original Research
Endometrial sampling at an academic hospital in South Africa: Histological 
findings, lessons learnt and interesting surprises
Reena D. Mohanlal
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1038 | 29 September 2020

Original Research
Serological detection of brucellosis among febrile, malaria-negative 
children and domesticated dogs in an urban African setting
John B. Kalule, Joseph Tomusange, Teddy Namatovu
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a864 | 30 September 2020

Original Research
Review of the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards 
Accreditation (SLIPTA) version 2:2015
Tjeerd A.M. Datema, Linda Oskam, Jacqueline E.W. Broerse, Paul R. Klatser
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1068 | 28 October 2020

Original Research
Postmortem diagnosis of COVID-19: Antemortem challenges of three 
cases at the 37 Military Hospital, Accra, Ghana
Seth A. Attoh, Frederick Hobenu, Lawrence Edusei, Kwasi Agyeman-
Bediako, Clement T. Laryea, Edward O. Nyarko, Michael K. Amedi, Richard 
H. Asmah, Edward Asumanu, Mary McAddy, Anthony Maison, Godwin 
Nyarko, Raymond D. Fatchu, Kafui Akakpo
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1290 | 03 November 2020

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Editorial
African laboratory medicine in the time of COVID-19
Iruka N. Okeke
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1447 | 21 December 2020

Original Research
Diagnostic outcomes of bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsies 
performed at a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Wanda S. Tshabalala, Somasundram Pillay, Douglas P.K. Wilson
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1028 | 25 February 2020

Original Research
Evaluation of corrective actions of feedback from clinicians on Clinical 
Laboratory Services at Bamenda Regional Hospital Laboratory, Cameroon
Victor N. Fondoh, Charles N. Awasom, Rebecca Enow-Tanjong, Richard M. 
Fondoh, Patrick Njukeng, Judith Shang, Julianna Ndasi, Moses Samje, 
Claris N. Muluh, Thompson N. Kinge
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a843 | 23 March 2020

Original Research
Clinical staff knowledge and awareness of point-of-care-testing best 
practices at Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa
Thumeka P. Jalavu, Megan Rensburg, Rajiv Erasmus
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a853 | 16 July 2020

Original Research
Evaluation of the Ogawa-Kudoh method for tuberculosis isolation in two 
health units in Mozambique
Carla M. Madeira, Khalide I. Azam, Daisy N. Sato, Celso Khosa, Nilesh 
Bhatt, Sofia O. Viegas
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a929 | 20 July 2020

Original Research
Prevalence of cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) among HIV-positive patients in 
Eswatini, 2014–2015
Samson M. Haumba, Mitsuru Toda, Rossana Jeffries, Peter Ehrenkranz, 
Munyaradzi Pasipamire, Trong Ao, Nomthandazo Lukhele, Sikhathele 
Mazibuko, Mandzisi Mkhontfo, Rachel M. Smith, Tom Chiller
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a933 | 29 July 2020

Original Research
Detecting tuberculosis in pregnant and postpartum women in Eswatini
Munyaradzi Pasipamire, Edward Broughton, Mandzisi Mkhontfo, Gugu 
Maphalala, Batsabile Simelane-Vilane, Samson Haumba
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a837 | 30 July 2020

Original Research
Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis amongst primary school children in 
Ikwo and Ohaukwu Communities of Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Nse O. Umoh, Chimezie F. Nwamini, Nyoho J. Inyang, Anthony N. Umo, 
Victor U. Usanga, Amos Nworie, Michael O. Elom, Boniface N. Ukwah
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a812 | 24 August 2020

Original Research
Prevalence and aetiology of moderate and severe thrombocytopenia in a 
tertiary and quaternary centre in KwaZulu-Natal
Ayanda G.P. Jali, Bongani B. Nkambule
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a799 | 24 August 2020

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Vol 9, No 1 (2020)

ISSN: 2225-2002 (print)  |  ISSN: 2225-2010 (online)African Journal of Laboratory Medicine



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Table of Contents

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Original Research
Adult and paediatric haematology and clinical chemistry laboratory 
reference limits for Liberia
Mark W. Kieh, Sarah M. Browne, Greg A. Grandits, Julie Blie, Jestina W. 
Doe-Anderson, Marie L. Hoover, Bionca Davis, Cavan S. Reilly, James D. 
Neaton, H. Clifford Lane, Stephen B. Kennedy
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1080 | 25 November 2020

Original Research
Infant HIV diagnosis and turn-around time for testing in Malawi, 2015
Hammad Ali, Peter Minchella, Geoffrey Chipungu, Evelyn Kim, James 
Kandulu, Dalitso Midiani, Andrea Kim, Mahesh Swaminathan, Steve 
Gutreuter, John Nkengasong, Daniel Singer
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a904 | 26 November 2020

Original Research
A global proficiency testing programme for Xpert® MTB/RIF using dried 
tube specimens, 2013–2015
Katherine Klein, Kyle DeGruy, Zilma Rey, Patricia Hall, Andrea Kim, Steve 
Gutreuter, Heather Alexander
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1167 | 27 November 2020

Original Research
Prevalence and antifungal susceptibility of gastrointestinal candidiasis 
among diabetic patients: A cross-sectional study
Anthony P. Oyom, Emmanuel Okello, Victoria Acam, Christine Aramo, 
Bashir Mwambi, John C. Okiria, Caesar Oyet
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a997 | 10 December 2020

Original Research
Evaluation of ceftriaxone-sulbactam-disodium edetate adjuvant 
combination against multi-drug resistant Gram-negative organisms
Shilpi Gupta, Mahadevan Kumar, Shelinder P.S. Shergill, Kundan Tandel
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a991 | 10 December 2020

Original Research
Validation of PHASE for deriving N-acetyltransferase 2 haplotypes in the 
Western Cape mixed ancestry population
Celeste Swart, Surita Meldau, Chad M. Centner, Adrian D. Marais, Fierdoz 
Omar
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a988 | 17 December 2020

Original Research
Sensitivity and specificity of mean platelet volume as a laboratory marker 
for irritable bowel syndrome: Can it be added to Rome criteria?
Mostafa Vaghari-Tabari, Soheila Moein, Durdi Qujeq, Mehrdad Kashifard, 
Haydeh Alaoddolehei, Karimollah Hajian-Tilaki
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1001 | 21 December 2020

Original Research
Serologic evidence of seasonal influenza A and B in HIV patients on 
combined antiretroviral therapy in Lagos, Nigeria
AbdulAzeez A. Anjorin, Barakat A. Adepoju
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1048 | 21 December 2020

Original Research
Haematological indices of sickle cell patients with chronic leg ulcers on 
compression therapy
Oluwatoyin A. Babalola, Ayodele Ogunkeyede, Abayomi B. Odetunde, 
Foluke Fasola, Anthony A. Oni, Chinedum P. Babalola, Adeyinka G. Falusi
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1037 | 21 December 2020

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Original Research
Categorising specimen referral delays for CD4 testing: How inter-
laboratory distances and travel times impact turn-around time across a 
national laboratory service in South Africa
Naseem Cassim, Lindi M. Coetzee, Deborah K. Glencross
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1120 | 21 December 2020

Original Research
Weekly laboratory turn-around time identifies poor performance masked 
by aggregated reporting
Lindi-Marie Coetzee, Naseem Cassim, Deborah K. Glencross
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1102 | 21 December 2020

Original Research
Haematological reference intervals for healthy adults in Bamenda, 
Cameroon
Victor N. Fondoh, Richard M. Fondoh, Charles N. Awasom, Pefoule L. 
Edith, Winlove A. Ntungwen, Bong Roland, Rebeca Enow-Tanjong, Patrick 
Njukeng, Judith Shang, Egbe P. Egbengu, Talkmore Maruta, Akazong 
Etheline, Robert Leke, Ayuk Leo, Denis Nsame
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1193 | 21 December 2020

Original Research
Biochemical changes in whole blood stored for transfusion at Bungoma 
County Referral Hospital, Kenya
Phidelis M. Marabi, Stanslaus Musyoki, Angela Amayo
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1182 | 21 December 2020

Lessons from the Field
H3Africa partnerships to empower clinical research sites to generate high-
quality biological samples
Talishiea Croxton, Ndidi Agala, Emmanuel Jonathan, Olasinbo Balogun, 
Petronilla J. Ozumba, Enzenwa Onyemata, Shefiya Lawal, Manmak 
Mamven, Samuel Ajayi, Sylvia E. Melikam, Mayowa Owolabi, Bruce 
Ovbiagele, Dwomoa Adu, Akinlolu Ojo, Christine M. Beiswanger, Alash’le 
Abimiku
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a935 | 18 March 2020

Lessons from the Field
Addressing the shortage of pathologists in Africa: Creation of a MMed 
Programme in Pathology in Zambia
Victor Mudenda, Evans Malyangu, Shahin Sayed, Kenneth Fleming
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a974 | 03 June 2020

Lessons from the Field
Establishing the College of Pathologists of East, Central and Southern 
Africa – The Regional East Central and Southern Africa College of 
Pathology
Shahin Sayed, Rudo Mutasa, Ephata Kaaya, Victor Mudenda, Erasmus 
Rajiv, Edda Vuhahula, Jamilla Rajab, Robert Lukande, Edwin Walong, 
Angela Mutuku, Kenneth Fleming
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a979 | 03 June 2020

Lessons from the Field
Laboratory organisation and management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 
Niger, West Africa
Abdourahamane Yacouba, Adamou Lagaré, Daouada Alhousseini Maiga, 
Halimatou Moumouni Sambo, Sani Ousmane, Zelika Hamidou Harouna, 
Boubacar Marou, Maman K. Sanoussi, Balki Aoula, Ali Amadou, Hassane 
Boureima, Saidou Amatagas, Abdoulaye Ousmane, Eric Adehossi, Saidou 
Mamadou
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1308 | 21 December 2020

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Brief Report
Herpes simplex virus-2 infections in pregnant women from South Africa: 
Evaluation of the ImmunoFLOW rapid test
Shanthie Govender, Lungile Mbambo, Makandwe Nyirenda, Motshedisi 
Sebitloane, Nathlee Abbai
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a854 | 31 August 2020

Brief Report
Rapid testing for respiratory syncytial virus in a resource-limited paediatric 
intensive care setting
Howard Newman, Donald Tshabalala, Sikhumbuzo Mabunda, Nokwazi 
Nkosi, Candice Carelson
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1084 | 08 December 2020

Brief Report
Critical success factors for Vietnamese laboratories striving to implement 
quality management systems
Cathy Robinson, James Johnson, Katy Yao, Hien Bui
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a937 | 18 December 2020

Case Study
Post-procedural Bacillus cereus septic arthritis in a patient with systemic 
lupus erythematosus
Barend Mitton, Roxanne Rule, Nontombi Mbelle, Wesley van 
Hougenhouck-Tulleken, Mohamed Said
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1119 | 20 August 2020

Case Study
Response to a cluster of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 
2 cases at a diagnostic laboratory
Christoffel J. Opperman, Gert J.K. Marais, Michelle Naidoo, Marvin Hsiao, 
Nazlee Samodien
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1307 | 25 August 2020

Case Study
Brucellosis – laboratory workers’ nightmare come true: A case study
Lebogang Skosana, Farzana Ismail, Nontombi Mbelle, Mohamed Said
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1114 | 29 September 2020

Review Article
The network approach to laboratory procurement and supply chain 
management: Addressing the system issues to enhance HIV viral load scale-up
Jason Williams, Dianna Edgil, Matthew Wattleworth, Clement Ndongmo, 
Joel Kuritsky
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1022 | 13 August 2020

Review Article
COVID-19 rapid diagnostic test could contain transmission in low- and 
middle-income countries
Adesola Olalekan, Bamidele Iwalokun, Oluwabukola M. Akinloye, 
Olayiwola Popoola, Titilola A. Samuel, Oluyemi Akinloye
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1255 | 30 September 2020

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Opinion Paper
Scaling up testing for COVID-19 in Africa: Responding to the pandemic in 
ways that strengthen health systems
Farouk A. Umaru
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1244 | 14 May 2020

Opinion Paper
Establishing diagnostic training programs in resource-poor settings: 
The case of Sierra Leone
Lance D. Presser
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a889 | 15 June 2020

Opinion Paper
COVID-19 pandemic and antimicrobial resistance: Another call to 
strengthen laboratory diagnostic capacity in Africa
Beverly Egyir, Noah Obeng-Nkrumah, George B. Kyei
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1302 |  
23 September 2020

Opinion Paper
How can clinical immunology laboratories contribute to the management 
of severe COVID-19 cases in limited resource contexts?
Brahim Admou, Abdelhamid Hachimi, Mohammed Abdenasser 
Samkaoui
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1282 | 02 November 2020

Opinion Paper
COVID-19 during malaria transmission season in Africa and why we should 
be prepared: An example from Senegal
Khadim Diongue, Mamadou A. Diallo
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1332 | 18 November 2020

Opinion Paper
Will long-read sequencing technologies replace short-read sequencing 
technologies in the next 10 years?
Boluwatife A. Adewale
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1340 |  
26 November 2020

Scientific Letter
Inflammatory markers as predictors of mortality in COVID-19  
infection
Awadia A. Ahmeidi, Ashraf Musa, Hind S. Ahmed, Adel A. Elahmar, Ryhana 
B. Goota, Ibtihal A. Ahmed, Abdelhakam H. Ali, Mushal Allam, Mozan O. 
Hassan
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1298 |  
21 December 2020

Reviewer Acknowledgement
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 9, No 1 | a1445 |  
21 December 2020

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