Objective: to evaluate the geographical and organizational aspects of primary health care services in detecting tuberculosis cases in Pelotas-RS, Brazil.
Methods: this was a descriptive evaluation study involving 276 health professionals in 2012; data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering geographical and organizational aspects which received a score using a Likert scale of 1 to 5.
Results: average use of motorized transport by symptomatic respiratory patients having a cough for more than three weeks to get to a healthcare service was considered regular by respondents; although there was satisfactory availability of health professionals, human resource turnover and time-keeping were considered unsatisfactory; average time of more than 60 minutes waiting to see the doctor and average time spent with the doctor were considered regular.
In order to assess laboratory performance of Primary Care Units (UAP, Spanish acronym) in TB diagnosis though the sputum smear test in Pelotas, Brazil, a descriptive study was completed which included all sputum smear tests requested at eleven primary care units from 2007 to 2010. To assess laboratory performance, the number of sputum smear tests requested was quantified as well as the time between the request and the reading of the glass slides at the lab. 477 requests were registered at UAP.
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