Introduction
Laboratory tests vary in complexity, and the type of reagents and supplies required to carry out these tests is as varied as the type of tests. Although certain laboratory tests share supplies, a significant inventory of the said supplies is still necessary. Considering this, supplies have serious implications for the design of the logistics information and inventory control systems that support laboratories.
An effective procurement and inventory system will address testing service sustainability while simultaneously avoiding waste and increased costs. Both systems require these processes and procedures to be standardized and that tasks are assigned to keep them current and organized.
By accurately forecasting supply needs, reagent costs may be reduced by negotiating contracts that involve bulk purchases as well as accurately calculating of supply needs for the laboratory. This will eliminate or reduce the number of emergency deliveries required to maintain services and their associated increased costs.
In Liberia, supply chain challenges include inadequate storage space, lack of transport and insufficient inventory and warehouse management practices. Poor communication channels further compound the problems1.
In the current laboratory strategic plan for Liberia, one of the objectives is to support the provision of a comprehensive, integrated, sustainable, and high-quality laboratory system that will support diagnostic services, disease surveillance and research.
It is envisioned, that the implementation of a coordinated, sustainable supply chain management and logistics system for the laboratory will support this objective2.
Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) seeks to identify the current challenges that plague the supply chain and propose possible solutions for overall improvement of the system.