title: Not all microscopes are equal.
abstract: A functional microscope is the most important and most expensive piece of equipment required for smear microscopy. Global Fund monies have provided a unique opportunity to equip laboratories in low-resource countries, but these funds must be spent wisely. Cheap microscopes are superficially appealing. However, higher-quality microscopes generally have better optics and last longer. International agencies should consider establishing a purchasing service to assist countries in their microscope procurement. Such a system would provide quality assurance and increased purchasing power.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lumb
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Van Deun
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bastian
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*; D013183:Sputum / Q000166:cytology; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000473:pathology*