Laboratory Technologists Research Articles

The magnitude of anemia and associated factors among adult diabetic patients in Tertiary Teaching Hospital, Northern Ethiopia, 2019, cross-sectional study.

Patients with Diabetic Mellitus are at higher risk of different complications. Many previous studies show that anemia among diabetic patients is poorly diagnosed. This study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of anemia among adult diabetes patients having regular follow up at the diabetic clinic of Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, 2018/19. This study was conducted the Diabetic clinic of Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital, Tigray regional state, Northern Ethiopia from January to March 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. About 5 ml of venous blood was collected by experienced laboratory technologists under a complete aseptic technique. Two ml of the venous blood was used for hemoglobin determination. And three ml of the venous blood was used without any anticoagulant for creatinine determination. The association of variables was assessed using bivariate and multivariable analysis in the logistic regression model with p-value, odds ratio, and 95% CI in the SPSS version 24 software. From a total of 262 diabetes patients, forty-seven (17.9%) were found to be anemic (6.7% males and 11.5% females). Among the related factors, residency (Adjusted Odds Ratio, 7.69, 95% CI, 2.060, 28.69, p = 0.002,), age of the patients (Adjusted Odds Ratio, 4.007, 95%CI, 1.53-10.51, p = 0.005,) and sex (Adjusted Odds Ratio, 3.434, 95% CI, 1.582, 7.458, p = 0.042,) were significantly associated with anemia. According to this study, the magnitude of anemia is high among diabetic patients. Occupation of the participants, residency, HIV status, being female, and age was significantly associated with anemia.

Improving Quality in a Cytopathology Laboratory

Quality assurance in a cytopathology laboratory is achieved by involving all the parties that contributes to cytopathology procedures. Quality assurance measures start with the laboratory directors to the cytopathotechnologists at work. High-quality results are achieved when all the parties work together by following the Standard operation procedures failure to which quality is undermined. Laboratory directors in a cytopathology laboratory are responsible for risk analysis and management. Proper risk analysis techniques help the lab manager to identify the weak points among the technologists. Proper management involves giving out good guidelines or instructions on what should be done to solve the problems that have been identified. There is the need to accredit and comply with the international accepted policies and procedures and excellent documentation to help deal with malpractices. Modern health care has faced a revolution due to a variety of factors, some of which are: newest techniques in laboratory medicine, trained staff operating diagnostic medical laboratories and ultra-modern analytical equipment. A Quality Management System (QMS) has been suggested by the ISO 15189 International Standard, which if followed, can help sustain and improve the testing services offered by diagnostic laboratories, such as cytopathology laboratories. Cytopathology laboratories should only employ laboratory technologists have undergone through the recommended training and have licenses from the regulatory bodies. The staff members of cytopathology laboratory should follow the standard operating procedures. SOPs help in coming up with high-quality results.

Building Entrustable Professional Activities In Residency Training: Peripheral Blood Smear And Body Fluid Analysis

Abstract Introduction/Objective Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are defined as specialty-specific tasks representing a unit of professional practice that can be entrusted to unsupervised performance by a trainee following attainment of sufficient task-specific competence. EPAs and periodic competency assessments also provide a framework for evaluating relevant ACGME milestones. We describe our experience creating EPAs for peripheral blood smear (PBS) and body fluid (BF) analysis through which residents became qualified to act as laboratory testing personnel. Methods Training occurred during a 6 week “boot camp” for PGY2 and PGY4 residents in July-August 2018 and July-August 2019. Training for PBS included didactic lectures in automated hematology and RBC morphology (2 hr) and WBC and platelet morphology (2 hr); faculty-guided microscope reviews of RBC (2 hr) and WBC morphology (2 hr) using a training checklist; completion of RBC and WBC self-assessment quizzes; and a 40 question graded exam that covered cell identification, lab protocols, and case scenarios. Training for BF included didactic lectures (2 hr); faculty-guided microscope review of BF slides using a training checklist; completion of a BF self-assessment quiz; and a 40 question graded exam that covered cell identification, lab protocol, and case scenarios. Following successful completion of the graded exam residents were deemed competent to perform unsupervised review of cases initially flagged as abnormal by laboratory technologists; they were required to obtain attending review prior to release of results in defined situations. Formal competency assessments according to CLIA standards were done at 6 and 12 months after initial training. Impact on laboratory workflow and turnaround time was assessed before and after training. Conclusion We successfully created EPAs for PBS and BF analysis through which residents became qualified to act as laboratory testing personnel. There was no adverse impact on laboratory turnaroud time, and the number of PBS and BF cases requiring attending pathologist review decreased. Residents appreciated this tangible opportunity to gain graduated responsibility that prepared them for future practice. Periodic competency assessments provide an opportunity to evaluate relevant ACGME milestones. Our training and assessment program and EPAs can serve as a template for other residency programs.

Use of artificial intelligence for tailored routine urine analyses

ObjectivesUrine is the most common material tested in clinical microbiology laboratories. Automated analysis is already performed, permitting quicker results and decreasing the laboratory technologist's (LT) workload. These automatic systems have introduced digital imaging concepts. PhenoMATRIX (PHM) is an artificial intelligence software that merges picture algorithms and user rules to provide presumptive results. This study aimed at designing a tailored workflow using PHM, performing its validation and checking its performance in routine practice. MethodsTwo data collections including 96 and 135 urine samples from nephrostomy/ureterostomy and artificial bladder (US), 948 and 1257 urine samples from catheter (UC) and 3251 and 2027 midstream urine (MSU) were used to compare LT results with those obtained using two versions of PHM. Another 19 US, 102 UC and 508 MSU were used to monitor performance level 3 months after routine implementation. ResultsBefore and after revisions, agreement between the first version of PHM and LT results were 83% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74.3–90.2) and 83% (95% CI, 75.3–90.9) (US), 66.7% (95% CI, 63.5–69.5) and 71.7% (95% CI, 68.8–74.4) (UC) and 65.4% (95% CI, 63.8–67.1) and 76% (95% CI, 74.1–77.1) (MSU). The second version improved results, demonstrating 96.2% (95% CI, 91.6–98.8) and 97% (95% CI, 92.6–99.2) (US), 87.5% (95% CI, 85.5–89.2) and 88.9% (95% CI, 87.0–90.5) (UC) and 91% (95% CI, 89.7–92.1) and 92% (95% CI, 91.1–93.4) (MSU) of agreement with LT results before and after revisions. The reliability of PHM results was confirmed by a routine study demonstrating 92% (95% CI, 90.0–94.2) overall agreement. ConclusionsPHM showed high performance, with >90% of results in agreement with LT. PHM could help standardize and secure results, prioritize positive plates during analytical workflow and likely save LT time.

Attitude, Willingness, and Associated Factors in Organ Donation Among Health Professionals in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundOrgan transplantation is considered one of the greatest advances of modern science, and it has given many patients a renewed lease on life. The demand for organs far exceeds the supply. Health professionals are fundamental in the process of organ procurement. ObjectiveTo assess the attitude, willingness, and associated factors in organ donation among health professionals of Gondar, Ethiopia. MethodsOur cross-sectional study was conducted among 382 randomly selected health professionals in Gondar using a self-administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the data. ResultsAmong health professionals, 79.1% had favorable attitude toward organ donation and 74.6% were willing to donate their organs. After adjusting for covariates, the odds of having a favorable attitude about organ donation were 3.2 and 11.9 times higher in the professions of laboratory technologists and medical doctors, respectively. By keeping all other variables constant, attitude was found to be positively associated with awareness (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 12.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.71-43.8) and being a member of the Red Cross Association (aOR 5.24, 95% CI 1.46-18.96). Willingness was positively associated with awareness (aOR 6.25, 95% CI 2.0-19.53), a member of the Red Cross Association (aOR 5.09, 95% CI 1.5-17.22), a laboratory technologist (aOR 3.57, 95% CI 1.37-9.29), and a medical doctor (aOR 6.52, 95 % CI 1.93-22.01). ConclusionsThe main findings indicated that the majority of health professionals in Gondar had a favorable attitude toward organ donation and were willing to donate their organs in times of need.

Laboratory practices for manual blood film review: Results of an IQMH patterns of practice survey.

Examination of a blood film is the second most common hematology test, after the complete blood count. Interpretation of a peripheral blood film by trained laboratory professionals provides valuable diagnostic information. The Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare (IQMH) Hematology Scientific Committee developed a questionnaire to gather information regarding current practices for manual blood film review and reporting from laboratories participating in IQMH Morphology proficiency testing (PT) surveys. An online survey was distributed to 174 laboratories, 97% submitted results. Of the respondents, the majority (82%) indicated affiliation with small- or medium-sized hospitals (<500 beds). 80% of respondents had core laboratory technologists performing manual blood film reviews, while only 2% utilized dedicated hematology technologists with morphology expertise. All respondents had a policy for manual blood film review by a technologist, 70% did not have blood films reviewed by a senior/charge technologist prior to review by a physician. The majority (88%) of participants included morphological findings in their critical result list; of these, 98% include malaria and 88% include the first-time finding of blasts as critical results. 59% of participants indicated that they have a procedure in place to ensure that interpretation and confirmation of first-time potentially significant morphological findings are available from a physician at all times. This survey identified significant variation in blood film review and reporting practices across participating laboratories. The IQMH Hematology Scientific Committee will develop best practice recommendations to guide and standardize practice.

Hiring Frictions in a Regulated Occupation: Evidence from US Laboratories

AbstractDetermining the nature and source of hiring frictions is an important topic for policymakers, as these frictions impact both worker outcomes and economic growth. To date, there has been very little US‐based research that has combined detailed measures of employer skill requirements, market structure, organizational characteristics and hiring difficulties at the establishment level. Prior to this study, there has been almost no research that has investigated these issues in the context of a highly regulated industry such as healthcare, which employs more workers than either retail or manufacturing. Using a unique, nationally representative dataset, this study finds that organizational practices and market structure are more relevant predictors of hiring difficulties for laboratory technologists than factors, such as skill mismatch, that are often assumed to be of primary importance.

Deep Convolutional Neural Network with TensorFlow and Keras to Classify Skin Cancer Images

Skin cancer is a dangerous disease causing a high proportion of deaths around the world. Any diagnosis of cancer begins with a careful clinical examination, followed by a blood test and medical imaging examinations. Medical imaging is today one of the main tools for diagnosing cancers. It allows us to obtain precise images, internal organs and thus to visualize the possible tumours that they present. These images provide information on the location, size and evolutionary stage of tumour lesions. Automatic classification of skin tumours using images is an important task that can help doctors, laboratory technologists, and researchers to make the best decisions. This work has developed a classification model of skin tumours in images using Deep Learning with a Convolutional Neural Network based on TensorFlow and Keras model. This architecture is tested in the HAM10000 dataset consists of 10,015 dermatoscopic images. The results of the classification of the experiment show that the accuracy was achieved by our model, which is in order of 94.06% in the validation set and 93.93% in the test set.

Use of mobile technologies for care of internal medicine clients in Nigeria’s premier teaching hospital

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine how cost, network and technology factors affect the use of mobile technologies for clients’ care in internal medicine department in Nigeria’s premier teaching hospital, the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a survey design covering a cross-section of medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses and medical laboratory technologists in the Department of Internal Medicine. A questionnaire guided data collection. Findings There is a high level of consciousness and use of mobile technologies for meeting healthcare needs of internal medicine clients in the University College Hospital, Ibadan and medical practitioners are deploying the technology most. However, there is no similar evidence of consciousness and use of wearable health-care technologies and solutions. The hospital makes some provision for mobile technology support for relevant medical staff and purposes. However, about three in 10 of the respondents reported that they use their own funds to recharge hospital-provided mobile phones means. Research limitations/implications The study focusses only on one institution but the result reflects the situation in other hospitals, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria being the major supplier of health and medical human resources in the country. Practical implications The hospital requires undertaking institutional assessment of mobile service need and consumption for clients’ care and thereafter make adequate provision to match the need. Furthermore, the institution could work out various forms of collaboration with mobile technology operators in the country to subsidise the cost of the use of telephones for clients’ care as part of their corporate social responsibility. Social implications The institution could work out collaboration with mobile technology operators in the country to subsidise cost of mobile client care as part of the philanthropic and corporate social responsibility of telecom companies. Originality/value This study focusses mainly on internal medicine and has implication for a more proper understanding of adult deployment of mobile phones for client care.

Effectiveness of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Programmes Offered in Kenyan Universities

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs offered in Kenyan universities. The study sought to answer questions about the adequacy of STEM programmes training facilities, qualification of academic staff and competency of academic staff. The study also sought to assess the adequacy of STEM curriculum, and the level of achievement of STEM learning outcomes. The study adopted a census survey and targeted 66 lecturers, 59 laboratory technologists and 275 students from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology and Technical University of Kenya which are technology-based universities in Kenya. Data was collected through three sets of questionnaires each for lecturers, laboratory technologists and students. Analysis of the data was done through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings were that there was lack of adequate facilities for training STEM programmes in the Kenyan universities and that the inadequacy varies from university to university with younger universities having the severest inadequacy. The study also found out that all the lecturers and Laboratory Technologists met the minimum requirements in terms of qualification and experience for their responsibilities and were competent. The STEM curriculum and practical sessions were either well or satisfactorily prepared and the graduates were adequately prepared. It was also found out that STEM learning outcomes were achieved by the time of graduation. From the research results, it can be concluded that although there were inadequacies in the STEM training facilities, these inadequacies did not significantly affect the overall effectiveness of the programs. Keywords: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Kenyan Universities DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-21-09 Publication date: July 31 st 2020

Current Status and Factors Affecting Knowledge Sharing Practices among Health Professionals in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital in Ethiopia

Knowledge sharing is about sharing relevant task (skills, experiences) among team members or with other people and making the shared knowledge reusable. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the current status and factors affecting knowledge sharing practices among health professionals in Hiwot Fana Specialize University Hospital in Ethiopia. A Cross-sectional research method with questionnaire was employed for the study. The sample size was 152 categories of health professionals that were: 46 nurses, 18 doctors, 15 radiologists, 26 laboratory technologists, 22 health officers and 26 pharmacists; selected from a population of 268 professionals in the hospital. The sampling technique was stratified simple random sampling. The results showed that the current status of Knowledge Sharing practices by all categories of health professionals was 'high' in areas such as: formal training programs and workshops to share knowledge (3.43); individuals' pleasure to share their know-how, information, working experience and knowledge to colleagues voluntarily (3.81); individuals' pleasure to share freely information and knowledge that improves the hospital performance (4.00) and colleagues awareness of the importance of knowledge sharing in the hospital (3.90). Knowledge sharing was 'very low' based on the non-availability of motivational scheme in the hospital to motivate knowledge sharing (1.74) but 'low' on staffs feeling of motivation to share knowledge in the hospital (2.44). However, there were factors that affected knowledge sharing practices, which included: lack of willingness by colleagues to share their information with other colleagues at all times; lack of awareness on the importance of knowledge sharing in the day- to- day work and lack of intrinsic motivation that staff would gain new ideas, technologies skills or techniques by sharing knowledge. The study concludes that there were variations in the opinions of the categories of health professionals on the current status and factors affecting knowledge sharing practices in the hospital.

656-P: Multidisciplinary Predialysis Team Education for Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy Produced Not Only Good Effects on the Hemodialysis Course, but Also Prolonged the Survival

To determine whether or not a multidisciplinary individual team approach (MTA) benefited the hemodialysis (HD) course and prognosis after HD induction in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN), we compared the effect of an MTA on the HD course of 42 DN patients with that of 33 DN patients managed by a dietitian approach alone (DA) (n=75 total; 50 men, 62±12 years old; 73 with type 2 diabetes mellitus). In all cases, HD was initiated between January 2010 and June 2016. There were no significant differences in the HbA1c or age between the groups when serum creatinine (S-Cr) was 2.0 mg/dL at the study start. MTA staff members were doctors, dietitians, nurses, laboratory technologists, and pharmacists. The team provided broad education, including advice on nutrition, medication, medical exams, and foot care. The duration from S-Cr 2.0 mg/dL to HD induction was significantly longer in the MTA group (3.3±2.2 yrs) than the DA group (2.3±1.8 yrs; p=0.021). The MTA group had a shorter hospitalization for HD induction and lower cost per admission than the DA group (44±33 days vs. 32±20 days, p=0.035; $20,506 ±14,219 vs. $14,554 ± 826, p=0.019). Urine collection (24-h) was more frequent in the MTA group than the DA group (likelihood ratio 5.05; p=0.025). Patients with urine collection tended to live longer than those without it (8.2±3.1 yrs vs. 6.9±2.6 yrs, p=0.075). The CTR at the HD induction tended to be smaller in the MTA group than in the DA group (53.0±5.7% vs. 55.6±7.3%, p=0.057). The hematocrit value in the MTA group (29.2±4.6%) was significantly better than in the DA group (26.5±4.0%, p=0.004). A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the MTA group had a better survival than the DA group (log rank 4.430, p=0.035). An MTA provided multiple effects that postpone HD induction, better clinical HD course, cost reduction, and prolonged survival compared with a DA, even when observation was started at the same S-Cr level. Disclosure M. Hitomi: None. T. Sato: None. T. Moriya: None.

Contribution of fine needle aspiration and auramine tests in diagnosis of Tuberculosis lymphadenitis at Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), Rwanda

Background&#x0D; Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis affects mainly the lungs but other organs of the body are involved. TB lymphadenitis is most common in extrapulmonary TB. Lymphadenitis is the infection or inflammation of the lymph nodes which are essential in immune response of the body.&#x0D; Objective&#x0D; To evaluate the contribution of fine needle aspiration (FNA) and auramine tests in the diagnosis of TB lymphadenitis.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; Smears from lymph node aspirates were prepared. Air-dried smears were stained by auramine staining for AFB examination and Diff-Quick staining cytological technique to detect malignant cells and other pathology. The slides were examined by laboratory technologists and the pathologist.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; Results are based on a total number of 137 samples; 58 (42.33%) cases were auramine positive for TB lymphadenitis while other 79 (57.67%) suspected cases were non TB lymphadenitis. Necrotizing lymphadenitis, granulomatous lymphadenitis, chronic lymphadenitis, acute lymphadenitis and reactive lymphadenitis represented 21.19%; 13.14%; 1.42%; 2.19%; and 19.71% respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; The use of auramine test and FNA cytology should be considered as useful in the diagnosis of tuberculosis lymphadenitis. These techniques are less expensive, quick, safe and show low complication rate.&#x0D; Keywords: TB lymphadenitis; fine needle aspiration; auramine test

In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Acalypha Indica Leaves Extracts

Anting-anting leaves (Acalypha indica L) is one of the wild plants (weeds) that are often used by the community to treat helminthic diseases such as ascariasis, containing several potentially anthelmintic compounds, namely saponins, tannins and flavonoids. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of giving Anting-anting leaf extract (Acalypha indica L) as an anthelmintic to the time of death of pork roundworms (Ascaris suum Goeze). The method in this study was pre-experimental with a post test only group design. The subjects of the study were Ascaris suum. The study was conducted at the Parasitology Laboratory of the Surabaya Polytechnic Health Medical Laboratory Technologist Department in December-May 2018. This study used 5 treatment groups, 0.9% NaCl as negative control and 0.25% pirantel pamoate as positive control and 60%, 80% and 100%. Data were analyzed using the Kolmogrov-Smirnov test, then the Kruskal-Wallis test was then continued using a Post-Hoc test to determine the difference in anthelmintic power of ear leaf extract of each concentration with positive control over the time of worm death. The average time of Ascaris suum worm death at a concentration of a concentration of 60% for 228.5 minutes, a concentration of 80% for 174 minutes, and a concentration of 100% for 92 minutes. So it can be concluded that the leaf extract of Acalypha L has an anthelmintic effect on the Ascaris suum worm.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: anthelmintic; Ascaris suum; anting-anting leaf

John Stelter wins chemical technician award

John Stelter, an advanced laboratory technologist at 3M, is the recipient of the 2020 National Chemical Technician Award. The award, administered by the American Chemical Society Committee on Techn...

A Practical Approach to Investigating Cross-Contaminants in the Anatomical Pathology Laboratory

Tissue contaminants in anatomical pathology are not uncommon. While issues related to the presence of extraneous tissue on glass slides are often easily resolved, this is not always the case and several factors may contribute to diagnostic difficulty. Because of this, familiarity with the different steps involved in handling specimens in the anatomical pathology laboratory is essential when troubleshooting possible cross-contaminants. Most commonly, the specimen constituting the source of cross-contamination is handled before the actual contaminated case; however, this is not always so. In this article, we review the steps involved in processing pathology specimens as they pertain to cross-contamination; share an approach covering how to troubleshoot and prevent tissue contaminants in a systematic and practical manner; present some examples from our own experiences; and compare our experience to what is reported in the literature. The information included in this article will be of use to all members of the anatomical pathology team including medical laboratory technologists, laboratory managers and supervisors, pathologist assistants, trainees in pathology, and pathologists.

Uganda\u2019s laboratory human resource in the era of global health initiatives: experiences, constraints and opportunities\u2014an assessment of 100 facilities

IntroductionLaboratories are vital in disease diagnosis, prevention, treatment and outbreak investigations. Although recent decades have seen rapid advancements in modernised equipment and laboratory processes, minimal investments have been made towards strengthening laboratory professionals in Africa. This workforce is characterised by insufficient numbers, skewed rural-urban distribution, inadequate qualifications, inadequate skill-mix and limited career opportunities. These factors adversely affect the performance of laboratory professionals, who are the backbone of quality services. In the era of Global Health Initiatives, this study describes the status of laboratory human resource and assesses the experiences, constrains and opportunities for strengthening them in Uganda.MethodsThis paper is part of a study, which assessed laboratory capacity in 21 districts during December 2015 to January 2016. We collected data using a laboratory assessment tool adapted from the WHO and USAID assessment tool for laboratory services and supply chain (ATLAS), 2006. Of the 100 laboratories, 16 were referral laboratories (hubs). To assess human resource constraints, we conducted 100 key informant interviews with laboratory managers and in charges.ResultsAcross the facilities, there was an excess number of laboratory technicians at Health Center (HC) IV level by 30% and laboratory assistants were in excess by 90%. There was a shortage of laboratory technologists with only 50% of the posts filled at general hospitals. About 87.5% of hub laboratories had conducted formal onsite training compared to 51.2% of the non-hub laboratories. Less than half of HC III laboratories had conducted a formal onsite training; hospital laboratories had not conducted training on the use and maintenance of equipment. Almost all HC III laboratories had been supervised though supervision focused on HIV/AIDS. Financial resources, workload and lack of supervision were major constraints to human resource strengthening.ConclusionAlthough opportunities for continuous education have emerged over the past decade, they are still threatened by inadequate staffing, skill mix and escalating workload. Moreover, excesses in staffing are more in favour of HIV, TB and malaria. The Ministry of Health needs to develop work-based staffing models to ensure adequate staff numbers and skill mix. Staffing norms need to be revised to accommodate laboratory technologists and scientists at high-level laboratories. Training needs to extend beyond HIV, TB and malaria.

Desain Silabus Bahasa Inggris Bagi Mahasiswa Jurusan Analis Kesehatan Poltekkes Kemenkes Kendari

In preparing students for global professional communication, it is crucial to conduct an analysis related to teaching material, methods and context in which English are used. This study aims to design syllabi and teaching materials based on student needs. This research is a type of descriptive research. More accurate information about student needs is obtained through the provision of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to students, alumni, and lecturers. Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings of this study reveal the need to establish learning that focuses on the target context of the Medical laboratory technologist either for academic or professional development. The contents of the syllabus needed by students are a series of aspects of language skills namely reading and speaking provided with topics of Medical laboratory and grammar that are appropriate to the context and presented in a series of varied learning activities that can provide convenience in the process of language acquisition in the classroom.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of safety precautions among laboratory technologist of clinical microbiology laboratory

Background: Laboratory workers are exposed to a variety of potential occupational health hazards including infectious materials and cultures, toxic and flammable chemicals, as well as electrical hazard. It is important for laboratory workers to be aware of the potential hazards and ensure safety in practices. Carelessness, negligence, and unsafe practices may result in serious injuries not only to the individual but also coworkers and patients as well. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of laboratory safety precautions among technicians working in clinical microbiology laboratory. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study on KAP of laboratory safety precautions among technicians. A close-ended structured questionnaire was canvassed to the technicians and responses were analyzed. Results: A total of 30 laboratory workers participated in the study. The overall correct responses regarding knowledge of laboratory safety precautions were 74% (673/900) and practices of the same were 79% (427/540). Few (10/30) perceived biomedical waste management as a burden and some (9/30) felt that too much of effort is required to follow optimal hand hygiene. Conclusion: Training and retraining on laboratory safety precautions are required along with counseling to induce a positive attitudinal change.

Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection among the Boda-Boda Riders in Mbarara Municipality-Uganda

Background: Boda-Boda is a well-known and booming motorcycle taxi that employs youths to earn a living. They transport passengers at a faster rate where other means of transport are inaccessible or would be time consuming. Global statistics show that HIV has continued to be a major global Public Health issue especially among the “Most At-risk Populations” (MAPs) that include commercial transporters and Boda-Boda riders. Aim: This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and predisposing factors for HIV/AIDS among Boda-Boda riders living in Mbarara Municipality. Specifically, the study determined the prevalence of HIV among the Boda-Boda riders, identified social demographic predisposing factors for HIV and determined knowledge of Boda riders on prevention of HIV. Study setting: Boda-Boda operators in the transport sector are at high risk of HIV infection but the HIV status of the Boda Riders in Mbarara was not known a reason why the study was instituted: Study design: This was an analytical and descriptive cross-sectional study that employed quantitative methods of data collection. The study population comprised the registered Boda-Boda operators from two divisions of Kakoba and Kakiika in Mbarara municipality. Sample size and sampling methods: Using Morgan’s table (1970), the population of the registered Boda Riders was 15,041; this corresponded to a sample size of 375 respondents by Morgan Table. Systematic sampling procedure was used to get every 3rd registered rider on the list. Data collection: A pre-tested structured tool aided data collection after group pretest counseling. Individual counseling was also done prior to testing and giving results. The laboratory technologists drew blood to determine the sero-status of the respondents. Results were recorded as tested reactive (TRR) or tested non-reactive (TR). Unigold was used as tie breaker to confirm their diagnosis in order to ascertain those who were HIV positive on determine. Data analysis: Analysis was done at univariate, bivariate and multivariate using STATA version 13, Statistical significance of the relationship was determined for the p-value (p ≤ 0.05). Significant variables were then considered at multivariate level of analysis. Results: More than half 195 (52%) of the Boda-Boda cyclist had attained primary level of education and 36.5% secondary education. HIV prevalence among Boda-Boda riders was 9.9%. Riders who had never heard of VCT/HCT screening for HIV were three times likely to acquire HIV compared to those who ever heard of VCT/HCT screening (OR = 3.35; 95% CI 1.14 9.83; p = 0.027). Those with multiple partners were six times more likely to acquire HIV/AIDS compared to those who buy sex from prostitutes (OR = 6.13; 95% CI 1.54 24.38; p = 0.01). The level of awareness of VCT was found high at (94.7%), and the general knowledge about utilization and importance of VCT services was at 80%, however condom use as a preventive measure was found low at 44.3% among the respondent Boda-Boda riders. Conclusion: Boda-Boda riders had high HIV prevalence of 9.9% compared to that of Mbarara district at 6.1% and much higher than 5.7% national HIV prevalence level. The predisposing factors to acquire HIV/AIDS were having multiple sexual partners, not having heard of HIV counseling and testing as well as low and inconsistent condom use at 44.3%. The study recommends health service providers and HIV counselors to intensify awareness and behavior change campaigns on condom use among the Boda-Boda riders as preventive measure against HIV.