Table 3.

Informants’ suggestions on parameters for PoC Biochemistry to Support Management of NCDs

Congenital hypothyroidism	It would be useful to have PoC for congenital metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism or suprarenal hyperplasia at PHC. At national-level, we are not sure if there is triage for these conditions among newborn babies. (Conversation with three female members of a persons with diabetes group, Lima)
Congenital hypothyroidism	PoC thyroxine and TSH could assist in the detection of congenital hypothyroidism in newborn babies. Midwives should be able to handle this screening test as it reduces the risk of children having mental retardation because of failure to detect congenital hyperthyroidism early. TSH would be the key parameter. (Male consultant endocrinologist and university professor, Osun State)
Malnutrition in children	A child with kwashiorkor or marasmus is at risk of developing hypokalemia, hyponatremia and hypocalcemia. A child with electrolyte derangement due to undernutrition, especially in the setting of diarrhea, can be promptly identified and referred if a PoC test for electrolytes is available, and this will reduce the death rate. (Male consultant hematologist and university professor, Osun State)
Menstrual disorders / polycystic ovarian syndrome	We could have PoC FSH and LH to investigate women with menstrual disorders, irregular and painful menstruation, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Many women suffer from these disorders, and affect their experiences at work. To anticipate other problems, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, then we could have PoC testosterone. (Conversation with a male physician and a female laboratory technologist in a private clinic, Osun State)
Pre-eclampsia	Pregnant women who develop preeclampsia need liver profile mainly glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase. (Female obstetrician, rural PHC center, Tumbes Province)
Renal impairment	Patients with renal impairment, who are generally assessed by the generalist, do need urea and creatinine tests to understand their health status. (Female obstetrician, Tumbes Province)
Thyroid problems in pregnancy	In the past year, we have lost 5 pregnant patients due to poor management of thyroid disorder at the PHC. They had manifestations of thyroid problems at antenatal care visits, and they should have been referred […] PoC thyroid, for TSH, triiodothyronine and thyroxine, could be used for screening at antenatal care. (Male consultant endocrinologist and university professor, Osun State)