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Cost assessment of a program for laboratory testing of plasma trans-fatty acids in Thailand

Authors :
Biplab Kumar Datta
Wichai Aekplakorn
Anchalee Chittamma
Pornchai Meemeaw
Hubert Vesper
Heather C. Kuiper
Lindsay Steele
Laura K. Cobb
Chaoyang Li
Muhammad Jami Husain
Lalida Ketgudee
Deliana Kostova
Patricia Richter
Source :
Public Health in Practice, Vol 2, Iss , Pp 100199- (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Elsevier, 2021.

Abstract

Objectives: Intake of trans fatty acids (TFA) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Assessment of TFA exposure in the population is key for determining TFA burden and monitoring change over time. One approach for TFA monitoring is measurement of TFA levels in plasma. Understanding costs associated with this approach can facilitate program planning, implementation and scale-up. This report provides an assessment of costs associated with a pilot program to measure plasma TFA levels in Thailand. Study design: Cost analysis in a laboratory facility in Thailand. Methods: We defined three broad cost modules: laboratory, personnel, and facility costs, which were further classified into sub-components and into fixed and variable categories. Costs were estimated based on the number of processed plasma samples (100–2700 in increments of 50) per year over a certain number of years (1–5), in both USD and Thai Baht. Total cost and average costs per sample were estimated across a range of samples processed. Results: The average cost per sample of analyzing 900 samples annually over 5 years was estimated at USD186. Laboratory, personnel, and facility costs constitute 67%, 23%, and 10% of costs, respectively. The breakdown across fixed costs, such as laboratory instruments and personnel, and variable costs, such as chemical supplies, was 60% and 40%, respectively. Average costs decline as more samples are processed: the cost per sample for analyzing 100, 500, 1500, and 2500 samples per year over 5 years is USD1351, USD301, USD195; and USD177, respectively. Conclusions: Laboratory analysis of plasma TFA levels has high potential for economies of scale, encouraging a long-term approach to TFA monitoring initiatives, particularly in countries that already maintain national biometric repositories.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
26665352
Volume :
2
Issue :
100199-
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Public Health in Practice
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.15186ec8a77446e915cdfb40b2fe450
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2021.100199