Diagnosis of the Hansen's disease laboratory care network at the Regional Health Department XV, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Objective. To present the situational diagnosis of the laboratory reference network for leprosy in the region of São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil. Methods. An online form was sent to each person responsible for the leprosy program. Results. All 102 municipalities that make up the region sent the requested data, 82.4% (84/102) requested slit skin smear microscopy and of these 68 received training. Of the total, 11.7% send slit skin smear to other laboratories without respecting the reference network. Only 57.8% (59/102) requested a biopsy, of these 47 had a doctor responsible for the collection and 31 didn´t respect the reference network for forwarding the biopsies. Aspects that make it difficult to diagnose leprosy cases in the region have been described as the lack of an adequate room, trained professionals, the absence of material for transportation and the request for printed exams. Conclusion. The laboratory network is fragile and needs to be respected in its initial composition or reorganized.