There is a company in India that sells quick tests for cholera.  We have been using these tests occasionally since the cholera outbreak began last year.  Most patients that come to the cholera hospital do not need tested.  We feel fairly certain that they have cholera from their symptoms.  From time to time, we have patients whose symptoms confused us and we question ourselves – Is this cholera ?   or something else we are dealing with?   That is when we need to test them.

We also use these tests for kids in the RC.  So many of these children are extremely ill when admitted that a case of cholera can quickly kill them.  We test them at the first episode of diarrhea and/or vomiting.  It is very helpful when we can know if it is cholera in just a few short minutes.   This allows us to immediately determine what course of treatment needs to be done for them and feel confident in that choice.  A child’s life is saved with these quick and accurate decisions.

We are needing some help with purchasing a new batch of these quick tests.  The cost to purchase 100 tests and pay shipping to get them to Haiti is $501.82.  We use these test only as needed.  We stretched out 100 tests from the last purchase over 10 months time.  One test averages out to be about $5.  Other US distributors sell them for around $15 each.  This  is the best price that we can find.

If you would like to donate for this need, please use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of the blog –or– send a donation in to our home office:  Real Hope for Haiti, P.O. Box 23, Elwood, IN 46036.  Please remember to include a note or write in the memo that it is for CHOLERA TESTING.  Thank you so much!

So far $395 has been donated!! We are only lacking $106.82 The need has been met!  THANK YOU!!!!!!