The SaniPath Tool methodology guides the user through various modules to plan, obtain data, analyze, and develop reports. The methodology characterizes the behavior of adults and children in the public domain along ten different pathways:
- Surface water (rivers/lakes/ponds)
- Open drains
- Flood water
- Municipal drinking water
- Soil
- Public latrines
- Produce (fruits/vegetables)
- Street food
- Bathing water
- Ocean water
The methodology involves collecting and processing environmental samples from these same pathways. Each pathway listed above has an environmental sampling component to complement the behavioral data, with the exception of flood water because flood water samples can often be difficult to obtain. Soil samples from a variety of public locations are also included in environmental sampling. The tool does not include pathways of exposure in the private domain or those strongly related to personal hygiene as they are less influenced by public intervention.
The behavioral and environmental microbiology results are then combined in an exposure assessment. The Tool software automatically conducts an automated analysis and produces data visualizations and an automated final report.