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Article History

Received: 26 February 2026

Accepted: 16 April 2026

First Online: 25 April 2026

Declarations

:

: This study was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration and Ethiopian research regulations. Ethical approval was obtained from the Department of Medical Laboratory Science Research Ethics and Review Committee of Addis Ababa University by protocol number DRERC/570/21/MLS. The trial registration number for this study was not applicable. An official letter from the medical laboratory science department was obtained for sample collection at Y12 HMC and AaBETH. Participants were informed about the study’s purpose, associated risks, confidentiality of their data, and their rights. Written informed consent was obtained from adult participants. For participants under 16 years of age, informed consent was obtained from their parents or legal guardians, alongside participant assent where applicable. Specimens were collected from all participants, and laboratory results were communicated to their respective physicians to guide patient management.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.