A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Capacity of Health Facility Laboratories in Zone One of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia
Joint Authors
Andualem, Tesfaye
Akal, Chalachew Genet
Source
Issue
Vol. 2018, Issue 2018 (31 Dec. 2018), pp.1-6, 6 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2018-08-08
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
6
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Role of laboratory service in patient care is well recognized in developed compared to developing countries like Ethiopia where most medical decisions are based on clinical judgment.
Laboratory based medical decisions save life and resources.
Thus, health facilities (HFs) having capacitated laboratories provide better health care service.
Thus, this study assessed capacity of laboratories found in all nine HFs in zone one of Afar region, Ethiopia.
Cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2015.
Data were collected using questioner from medical laboratory professionals (MLPs) and using cheek list from laboratory registration books.
Collected data was analyzed using SPSS.
Availability of laboratory related national guidelines and standard operating procedure varies among HFs studied.
In 42 selected laboratory equipment and materials assessed, their availability shows variations among HFs from 13 (30.2%) to 32 (74.4%).
Among different laboratory tests recommended to be performed at health center (HC) level by World Health Organization (WHO), six tests were not performed in all HC laboratories.
Moreover, 11 (31.4%) MLPs received in-service training in the past one year.
Internal quality control measures were done in 3 (33.3%) laboratories.
However, all laboratories were involved in external quality assurance with varied schedules.
Specimens after testing and specimen with prolonged transit time were discarded using standard rejection criteria in 8 (88.9%) and 3 (33.3) laboratories, respectively.
Study showed that laboratories assessed have good capacities in involving external quality assurance and having proper laboratory test request format.
But capacity of laboratories assessed is limited and unsatisfactory in number of laboratory tests performed at HC laboratories, in internal quality control measure implementation, and in getting up-to-date in-service training to staff.
Thus, to enhance capacity of laboratories in HC, responsible bodies shall avail basic laboratory materials and equipment, make fair distribution of MLPs, provide up-to-date training, and implement internal quality control measures in laboratories.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Akal, Chalachew Genet& Andualem, Tesfaye. 2018. A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Capacity of Health Facility Laboratories in Zone One of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia. Journal of Tropical Medicine،Vol. 2018, no. 2018, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1203041
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Akal, Chalachew Genet& Andualem, Tesfaye. A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Capacity of Health Facility Laboratories in Zone One of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia. Journal of Tropical Medicine No. 2018 (2018), pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1203041
American Medical Association (AMA)
Akal, Chalachew Genet& Andualem, Tesfaye. A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Capacity of Health Facility Laboratories in Zone One of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia. Journal of Tropical Medicine. 2018. Vol. 2018, no. 2018, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1203041
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1203041