Table 5. Strategies to reduce turnaround time of culture and DST, Peru*.

Step	Median baseline turnaround time, d	Strategies used	Goal turnaround time, d
From time DST processed to DST result at INS	81	Decentralize conventional and rapid DST methods	21
From receipt of DST result at intermediate laboratory to receipt of DST result at health establishment	6	Implement laboratory information system linking health centers, regional and national laboratories; improve transport of samples from health centers to regional laboratories	1
From receipt of DST result at health establishment to patient reevaluation with DST result	33	Train local providers to improve identification and referral of patients in need of MDR TB treatment; increase frequency of MDR TB treatment approval meetings; create new national culture/DST request form with DST indicators	7

*DST, drug susceptibility testing; INS, Instituto Nacional de Salud; MDR TB, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.