Page 37 - The Veterinary Laboratory and Field Manual 3rd Edition

6 Susan C. Cork, Roy Halliwell and Willy Schauwers

The mobile unit is especially valuable in remote source) may be useful where there is no power
areas where infrastructure is limited. The basic source, with the caveat that these give a poorer
design for a mobile unit will depend on the work resolution than a standard light microscope.
to be carried out. In most cases a refrigeration To develop a functional mobile laboratory the
unit, work bench, suitable lighting and a wash following questions should be considered.
facility for sample preparation and processing
are required within the vehicle. A generator and/ • What type of laboratory equipment will be
or a solar panel, small incubator, microscope needed?
and disposables can be added from the labora- • What are the energy requirements to
tory store. A field microscope (that is, one with operate the equipment?
a mirror rather than requiring an electric light • How many staff will be in the team?

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure 1.1 (a) Mobile laboratory with field team. (e)
Regular visits to rural farming communities and
district extension units improves visibility and
enhances public relations. (b) A district facility with
mobile laboratory visiting from the regional veteri-
nary facility. (c) Regional veterinary laboratory with
small generator shed at the back of the building.
(d) Regional veterinary laboratory parasitology sec-
tion. (e) Regional veterinary laboratory microbiology
staining sink.

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