Assessment of the Capacity of Medical Laboratories in Benue South, Nigeria

Medical laboratory services are vital for effective healthcare delivery, guiding clinical decisions and ensuringpatient safety. However, these services are often underprioritized in developing countries. This study evaluatedthe capacity of medical laboratories across nine local government areas in Benue South, Nigeria, using themodified World Health Organization Laboratory Assessment Tool (WHO LAT). The laboratories receivedan overall ‘very weak’ score of 23.62%. Ado laboratories scored highest at 27.02%, while Ohimini laboratoriesscored lowest at 17.56%. Laboratories were ‘weak’ in Physical Structure (50.04%) and Solid Waste Disposal(52.66%) but ‘very weak’ in other parameters (< 50%), indicating neglect and insufficient commitment fromgovernment and private sectors. Significant correlations were observed, including Physical Structure withTraining/Education (r = 0.708) and Biosafety/Biosecurity (r = 0.796), Virology with Hematology/Serology(r = 0.801), Pathology/Histology with Biochemistry (r = 0.934), and Equipment with Waste Disposal (r= -0.752). Five distinct clusters of modules highlighted interconnections and interdependence. The poorlaboratory capacity necessitates urgent intervention from decision-makers, government, and private sectorsto address its far-reaching implications.