Medical Biochemistry Laboratories Research Articles

Evaluation of the implementation of the rational use of laboratory tests in the clinical chemistry laboratory

Abstract Objectives The ‘Rational Laboratory Use Project’ (RLUP) was launched in 2018 by the Department of Examination and Diagnosis Services under the General Directorate of Health Services of the Republic of Turkey’s Ministry of Health. In this study, we aimed to determine the rate of implementation of RLUP in medical biochemistry laboratories, and to contribute to new regulations by collecting the information and opinions of the laboratory experts participating the survey. Methods Thirty questions were uploaded to an online survey tool (SurveyMonkey®, San Mateo, ABD). The first five were descriptive for laboratories. Among the remaining 25 questions, one is open-ended and addresses the various topics encompassed by the project’s scope. Results The questionnaire was completed by 202 medical biochemistry specialists, of whom 82.12 % reported that they did not implement autoverification. 55.65 % defined consultations in Hospital Management Information System (HIMS), but; 70.49 % were not using it actively. 57.69 % of the participants answered, “I agree” to the statement “I think RLUP is feasible”. It was observed that the specialists tried to implement rational laboratory practices partially depending on their laboratory capacity, hospital administration and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Conclusions Increasing clinicians’ awareness could increase the success of this project, which might provide more effective diagnosis and treatment for the patient. In our view, actively involving stakeholders of the information management system, which is not under the direct control of laboratory professionals, in the RLUP will accelerate the development of the project.

Point of care testing in Croatia: a survey of the Working group for point of care testing of the Croatian society of medical biochemistry and laboratory medicine.

The aim of this study was to investigate attitudes and routine procedures in point of care testing (POCT) among non-laboratory and laboratory healthcare professionals in Croatia. The Working Group (WG) for POCT of the Croatian society of medical biochemistry and laboratory medicine has designed two anonymous surveys for laboratory staff and non-laboratory staff with a total of 44 questions/statements on POCT (27 questions for non-laboratory staff and 17 for laboratory staff). Surveys were sent to 184 medical biochemistry laboratory (MBL) managers, the Croatian medical chamber and the Croatian chamber of nurses. The survey was disseminated using the online survey platform SurveyMonkey. A total of 112 non-laboratory healthcare professionals and 50 laboratories participated in the survey, which represents a response rate of 0.25% for non-laboratory professionals and 27% for MBLs. The majority of non-laboratory staff stated that POCT enables better medical care for the patient (90/112) and that the implementation of new POCT devices should be the responsibility of a POCT team comprising laboratory and clinical healthcare professionals. The great majority of responding MBLs (42/50) acknowledge that POCT is necessary for better patient care, and also realize that validation of POCT devices and comparison to the central laboratory is necessary before implementation (49/50). The majority of participants consider POCT as a medical tool that enables better patient care but there is still a lack of communication between laboratory and clinical staff. The study identified some critical spots that will help to create national guidelines to ensure high patient safety when using POCT devices.

Karbamazepin Kullanan Hastalarda Serum Lipid Düzeylerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Epilepsy is a neurological disease that requires long-term drug therapy. Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a drug that is effective in partial seizures, including complex partial seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures. It was aimed to evaluate the effect on serum lipid profile in patients who used CBZ. Medical biochemistry laboratory data between January and December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients (n=59) who used monotherapy and at least 2 years of CBZ were included in the study. Patients under 18 years of age were not included. In the control group, 34 healthy people with normal blood parameters, who applied to outpatient clinics for different reasons at the same age, and did not have a disease that would affect the lipid profile, were selected. The mean age of the patients was 36 ±8 years. LDL-cholesterol levels were found to be higher in patients treated with carbamazepine compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum triglyceride (TG), and HDL-cholesterol levels in the patient and control groups (p>0.05). There was no gender difference in the effect of carbamazepine on LDL-cholesterol (p>0.05). High serum LDL-cholesterol levels cause atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. The lipid profile of carbamazepine, which is used regularly at the therapeutic level, changes. Due to the association of high LDL-cholesterol levels with atherosclerosis, it is important to monitor lipid levels in patients using CBZ, especially considering the long duration of use of this pharmacotherapy.

Cost analysis of 25-hydroxy vitamin D tests in Turkiye with big data: A cross-sectional study.

The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the population causes physicians to request more vitamin D tests and increases laboratory costs. It is aimed at investigating the demanded numbers and cost analyzes of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) tests with the big data obtained from the national information health system of the Turkish Ministry of Health. Between 2017 and 2018, all inpatient and outpatient tests and 25(OH)D tests in all medical biochemistry laboratories in Turkiye were determined based on department and institution type. The cost amount, distribution among health institutions, and test request rates were calculated. In both years, the top ten most expensive tests, according to health institutions, were evaluated. The total number of medical biochemistry tests performed in 2017 and 2018 was 1.424.948.155 and 1.713.134.326, respectively. The number of 25 (OH)D tests analyzed in the same years was 8.698.393 and 13.919.127, respectively. When the data of the 2 years are compared, the consumption of 25 (OH)D tests increased by 37% in General hospital laboratories, whereas it increased by 115.09% in primary health laboratories. When all health institutions were evaluated, the increase rate in 25 (OH)D test demand was 60%, while the cost increase rate was 23%. This report showed that the demands for 25(OH)D testing are increasing steeply, especially in primary health-care facilities. In this direction, laboratory information system test demand restrictions in accordance with national and international guidelines are important issues for policymakers.

Laboratory policies and practices for thyroid function tests in Croatia: survey on behalf of Working Group for Laboratory Endocrinology of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

IntroductionLaboratory plays important part in screening, diagnosis, and management of thyroid disorders. The aim of this study was to estimate current laboratory preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical practices and policies in Croatia.Materials and methodsWorking Group for Laboratory Endocrinology of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine designed a questionnaire with 27 questions and statements regarding practices and protocols in measuring thyroid function tests. The survey was sent to 111 medical biochemistry laboratories participating in external quality assurance scheme for thyroid hormones organized by Croatian Centre for Quality Assessment in Laboratory Medicine. Data is presented as absolute numbers and proportions.ResultsFifty-three participants returned the questionnaire. Response rate varied depending on question, yielding a total survey response rate of 46-48%. All respondents perform thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). From all other thyroid tests, most performed is free thyroxine (37/53) and least TSH-stimulating immunoglobulin (1/53). Laboratories are using nine different immunoassay methods. One tenth of laboratories is verifying manufacturer’s declared limit of quantification for TSH and one third is verifying implemented reference intervals for all performed tests. Most of laboratories (91%) adopt the manufacturer’s reference interval for adult population. Reference intervals for TSH are reported with different percentiles (90, 95 or 99 percentiles).ConclusionThis survey showed current practices and policies in Croatian laboratories regarding thyroid testing. The results identified some critical spots and will serve as a foundation in creating national guidelines in order to harmonize laboratory procedures in thyroid testing in Croatia.

Verification policies in Croatian medical biochemistry laboratories: a survey of the practice.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to screen practices used in verification procedures for methods/analysers among medical biochemistry laboratories (MBLs) in Croatia. We hypothesized that these procedures differ widely from laboratory to laboratory and wanted to gather specific data on steps used in the verification workflow.Materials and methodsIn order to obtain data, an online survey was conducted. The survey, divided in two sections, contained 29 questions and statements addressing general characteristics and specific steps of the verification workflow of each individual MBL. The survey was disseminated among managers of all MBLs in Croatia.ResultsA total of 108/196 (55%) laboratories participated in the survey. Forty nine MBLs were excluded from the second part of the survey: 14 have not implemented verification procedures, and 35 MBLs due to the absence of answers. The most relevant results of the second part of the survey showed that: 18/59 (0.31) of the responding MBLs have difficulties when defining acceptance criteria, 27/59 (0.46) used the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocol for precision estimation; the majority of MBLs used a median of 20 samples for method/analyser comparisons and estimated bias using internal quality control samples; reference intervals provided by external sources are mainly adopted; 60% of MBLs do not include linearity verification in their protocol and do not use the national document for the estimation of measurement uncertainty.ConclusionsHeterogeneous verification protocols are routinely utilized across Croatian MBLs which clearly confirms that a national document might help in the harmonization of verification procedures.

Laboratory Atmospheric Levels of Formaldehyde in Selected Laboratories used by Medical Students in a Tertiary Institution in Edo State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to measure the laboratory atmospheric levels of formaldehyde in selected laboratories used by medical students in a tertiary institution in Edo state, Nigeria during the course of their medical training using a formaldehyde gas meter (EXTECH FM 200) ensuring that the laboratories served as the test groups while the lecture theatre served as the control. Data obtained from this study shows that medical students are exposed to various levels of formaldehyde in the different laboratories (Anatomy laboratory 1.71±0.11ppm; Histopathology laboratory 1.96±0.02ppm; Medical Biochemistry laboratory 0.07±0.003ppm and Physiology laboratory 0.05±0.002ppm) and these values are above the recommended limit prescribed by standard organizations. Hence, it was therefore concluded that measures should be taken to ensure reduction of formaldehyde air levels in the Anatomy and Histopathology laboratories in order to protect the medical students from the harmful effect of formaldehyde.

The effect of parathyroidectomy compared to non-surgical surveillance on kidney function in primary hyperparathyroidism: a nationwide historic cohort study

BackgroundPatients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) and impaired kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min) are offered parathyroidectomy (PTX) to protect them from further complications. Surprisingly, two recent uncontrolled cohort studies have suggested a further decrease in kidney function following PTX. We aimed to examine the effects of PTX compared to non-surgical surveillance on kidney function in pHPT patients.MethodsHistoric cohort study. From the Danish National Patient Registry (NPR) and major medical biochemistry laboratories in Denmark, we identified 3585 patients with biochemically confirmed pHPT among whom n = 1977 (55%) were treated with PTX (PTX-group) whereas n = 1608 (45%) were followed without surgery (non-PTX group). Baseline was defined as time of diagnosis and kidney function was re-assessed 9–15 months after PTX (PTX group) or 9–15 months after diagnosis (non-PTX group).ResultsAt follow-up, eGFR had decreased significantly in the PTX- compared to the non-PTX-group (median − 4% vs. − 1%, p < 0.01). Stratification by baseline eGFR showed that the decrease was significant for those with a baseline eGFR value of 80–89 and > 90 mL/min, but not for those with lower eGFR values. Findings did not differ between patients with mild compared to moderate/severe hypercalcemia. However, after mutual adjustments, we identified baseline levels of calcium, PTH, and eGFR as well as age and treatment (PTX vs. no-PTX) as independent predictors for changes in kidney function.ConclusionCompared to non-surgical surveillance, PTX is associated with a small but significant decrease in kidney function in pHPT patients with an initial normal kidney function.

Interpretative comments - need for harmonization? Results of the Croatian survey by the Working Group for Post-analytics.

IntroductionInterpretation of laboratory test results is a complex post-analytical activity that requires not only understanding of the clinical significance of laboratory results but also the analytical phase of laboratory work. The aims of this study were to determine: 1) the general opinion of Croatian medical biochemistry laboratories (MBLs) about the importance of interpretative comments on laboratory test reports, and 2) to find out whether harmonization of interpretative comments is needed.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study was designed as a survey by the Working Group for Post-analytics as part of national External Quality Assessment (EQA) program. All 195 MBLs participating in the national EQA scheme, were invited to participate in the survey. Results are reported as percentages of the total number of survey participants.ResultsOut of 195 MBLs, 162 participated in the survey (83%). Among them 59% MBLs implemented test result comments in routine according to national recommendations. The majority of laboratories (92%) state that interpretative comments added value to the laboratory reports, and a substantial part (72%) does not have feedback from physicians on their significance. Although physicians and patients ask for expert opinion, participants stated that the lack of interest of physicians (64%) as well as the inability to access patient’s medical record (62%) affects the quality of expert opinion.ConclusionAlthough most participants state that they use interpretative comments and provide expert opinions regarding test results, results of the present study indicate that harmonization for interpretative comments is needed.

The concurrence of the current postanalytical phase management with the national recommendations: a survey of the Working Group for Postanalytics of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

IntroductionThe detection and prevention of errors in the postanalytical phase can be done through the harmonization and standardization of constituent parts of this phase of laboratory work. The aim was to investigate how well the ongoing management of the postanalytical phase corresponds to the document “Post-analytical laboratory work: national recommendations” in Croatian medical biochemistry laboratories (MBLs).Materials and methodsAll 195 MBLs participating in the national external quality assessment scheme, were invited to undertake a part in a survey. Through 23 questions the participants were asked about management of the reference intervals (RI), delta check, reflex/reflective testing, postanalytical quality indicators and other parts of the postanalytical phase recommended in the national recommendations. The results are presented in numbers and percentages.ResultsOut of 195 MBLs, 119 participated in the survey, giving a response rate of 61%. Not all of the respondents provided answers to all the questions. Delta check has not been used in 59% (70/118) of the laboratories. Only 22/113 (20%) laboratories use reflex and/or reflective testing. In 53% of the laboratories, critical results were reported within 30 minutes of the confirmation of the results. In 34% (40/118) of the laboratories, turnaround time and reporting of critical results are two most often monitored postanalytical quality indicators.ConclusionThe results showed the critical results reporting and monitoring of postanalytical quality indicators are in the line with the recommendations. However, the management of RI verification, the use of delta check and reflex/reflective testing still must be harmonized among Croatian MBLs.

Necessary Precautions to Combat COVID-19 in the Medical Biochemistry Laboratory

Necessary Precautions to Combat COVID-19 in the Medical Biochemistry Laboratory

The use of preanalytical quality indicators: a Turkish preliminary survey study.

The utilization of reliable quality indicators (QIs) proven to be suitable for monitoring and improvement tools is one of the best choices to minimize of the risk of errors in all laboratory processes called as total testing process (TTP). In 2008, a Working Group "Laboratory Errors and Patient Safety" (WG-LEPS) established by International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) developed the Model of Quality Indicators (MQI) complying with requirements of the ISO 15189:2012 standard for laboratory accreditation. They have also been dealing with harmonizing the QIs in most laboratories worldwide since then. The present study was set out to investigate the frequency of using IFCC WG-LEPS' pre-QIs by Turkish laboratories and to assess the conformity of them, by taking into account Turkey's conditions. A survey consisting nine questions was applied in 81 laboratories using SurveyMonkey. According to the survey results, most of the laboratories reported they have used pre-QIs in the quality standards of health prepared by Turkish Ministry of Health (MOH). A part of IFCC WG-LEPS' pre-QIs were being utilized by more than 80% of the laboratories, the rest of which only used by 10% of laboratories. The majority of the medical laboratories have been using the pre-QIs included in the guidelines of Quality Standards prepared by the MOH. The pre-QIs are partially compatible with IFCC WG-LEPS' pre-QIs. The definitions of IFCC WG-LEPS' pre-QIs may also be revised to make them more clear and understandable by IFCC WG-LEPS. The insufficiency of Health Information Management Systems (HIMS) limits the use of pre-QIs proposed by IFCC WG-LEPS. Finally, the education of relevant personnel about the use of HIMS and pre-QIs is very crucial to harmonize and to extend the use of IFCC WG-LEPS' pre-QIs in Turkish medical biochemistry laboratories.

General position of Croatian medical biochemistry laboratories on autovalidation: survey of the Working Group for Post-analytics of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

IntroductionAutovalidation (AV) is an algorithm based on predefined rules designed, among others, to automate and standardize the postanalytical phase of laboratory work. The aim of this study was to examine the overall opinion of Croatian medical biochemistry laboratories regarding various aspects of AV.Material and methodsThis retrospective study is an analysis of the responses of a survey about AV comprised of 18 questions, as part of Module 10 (“Postanalytical phase of laboratory testing”) of national External Quality Assessment program, administered by the Croatian Centre for Quality Assessment in Laboratory Medicine. Results were reported as percentages of total number of participants in survey or as proportions of observed data if the overall number of data was <100.Results121 laboratories responded to the survey, of which 76% do not use AV, while 11% of laboratories use AV in routine laboratory work. 16/29 laboratories implemented semi-automated AV for general biochemistry (7/29), haematology (5/29), and coagulation (4/29) tests. Analytical measurement ranges, critical values, flags from analysers, interference indices and delta check were the most commonly used rules in the algorithm. 12/29 laboratories performed validation of AV with less than 500 samples (8/29). 7/13 laboratories report the percentage of AV being 20-50%, while 10/13 answered that introduction of AV significantly reduced turnaround time (TAT) (for 20 - 25%), especially for biochemistry tests.ConclusionsDespite of its numerous benefits (i.e. shorter TAT, less manual validation, standardization of the postanalytical phase), only a small number of Croatian laboratories use AV.

Evaluation of vitamin D levels according to season and age

Low vitamin D levels have also been associated with many chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to examine the 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OH-D) level studied Medical Biochemistry Laboratory of Afyon Health Sciences University between January and December 2015 according to age, sex, and season. A total of 7291 individuals (5326 women and 1965 men) who applied to the Afyon Health Sciences University Medical Biochemistry Laboratory for the first time between January 1 and December 31, 2015, were included in the study. The 25OH-D level of the individuals included was retrospectively evaluated according to age, sex, and season. Results: It was observed that 61.7% of the measurements were done in summer and 39.3% in winter. The 25OH-D level was on an average 19.913.27 ng/mL in men and 14.9313.75 ng/mL in women, and an average of 16.4313.54 ng/mL in summer and 16.0214.21 ng/mL in winter. Although a significant correlation was found between the 25OH-D level and sex, no statistically significant correlation was found with the season. When the 25OH-D level was evaluated according to age decades, the lowest value was observed in the tenth decade, with an average of 13.1612.87 ng/mL, and the highest value was observed in the first decade, with an average of 31.6216.89 ng/mL. A statistically significant difference was found between decades. Located in the Aegean region, Afyonkarahisar is suitable for benefiting from the sun due to its latitude and atmospheric structure. Moreover, sun exposure during the day is low due to the lifestyle and clothing style. For this reason, the level of vitamin D synthesized in individuals is affected because ultraviolet-B radiation does not reach the skin. These findings suggest that both nutritional and vitamin D supplements are important for the improvement in vitamin D deficiency in Afyonkarahisar province.

Working plan update of medical biochemistry laboratories in the COVID-19 pandemic

Working plan update of medical biochemistry laboratories in the COVID-19 pandemic

Assessment of the degree of adherence of medical laboratories to KDIGO 2012 guideline for evaluation and management of CKD in Czechia and Slovakia.

IntroductionThe aim of the study is to assess the degree of adherence of medical laboratories to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in laboratory practice in Czechia and Slovakia.Materials and methodsAn electronic questionnaire on adherence to KDIGO 2012 guideline was designed by an external quality assessment (EQA) provider SEKK spol. s.r.o. The questionnaire was placed and distributed through website to all medical biochemistry laboratories in Czechia and Slovakia (N = 396).ResultsA total of 212 out of 396 laboratories responded to the questions, though some laboratories only answered some questions, those applicable to their practice. A total of 48 out of 212 laboratories adopted the KDIGO 2012 guideline in full extent. The metrological traceability of creatinine measurement to standard reference material of SRM 967 was declared by 180 out of 210 laboratories (two of the responding laboratories did not measure creatinine). Thirty laboratories are not well educated on traceability of creatinine measurement and seven laboratories do not calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Both urinary albumin concentration and albumin to creatinine ratio are reported by 144 out of 175 laboratories (37 of the responding laboratories did not measure urinary albumin).ConclusionMajority of laboratories in Czechia and Slovakia adopted some parts of the KDIGO 2012 guideline in their practice, but only 23% of the laboratories apply them completely. Thus, further education and action should be conducted to improve its implementation.

How well do Croatian laboratories adhere to national recommendations for laboratory diagnostics of chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

Background In 2014, the Joint Croatian Working Group (JCWG) for laboratory diagnostic of chronic kidney disease (CKD) conducted a survey across medical-biochemistry laboratories which demonstrated a large heterogeneity in this area of laboratory medicine. To ensure the tools for the standardization process, in 2017 the JCWG-CKD published the first Croatian recommendations for laboratory diagnostics of CKD. To assess the implementation process, we have repeated a survey to explore how well laboratories adhere to the recommendations. Methods An invitation to the survey was sent to all Croatian medical-biochemistry laboratories (n = 196). The questionnaire was designed in a form of 19 questions and statements, with possible multiple answers. Results The response rate was 98/196 (50.0%). The predominant method for serum creatinine measurement was the standardized compensated Jaffe method (79.2%). There was substantial decrease in the number of laboratories which measure creatinine with the non-standardized uncompensated Jaffe method, compared with the initial 2014 assessment; 7% vs. 40%, respectively. The number of the laboratories that did not report estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values decreased almost by half compared to the initial data (37.6% vs. 74.4%). However, compared to the 2014 initial assessment, a similar number of laboratories (54/98 vs. 58/80) did not measure urine albumin or protein. Conclusions The collected data showed a substantial improvement in the standardization of the serum creatinine measurement, as well as in the reporting of eGFR. However, albuminuria or proteinuria assessment is still not implemented nationwide, mainly in primary health care laboratories. This demonstrates the importance of promoting and monitoring implementation of guidelines after publication.

Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine: National recommendations for blood collection, processing, performance and reporting of results for coagulation screening assays prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen and D-dimer.

A modern diagnostic laboratory offers wide spectrum of coagulation assays utilized in the diagnosis and management of patients with haemostatic disorders, preoperative screening and anticoagulation therapy monitoring. The recent survey conducted among Croatian medical biochemistry and transfusion laboratories showed the existence of different practice policies in particular phases of laboratory process during coagulation testing and highlighted areas that need improvement. Lack of assay standardization together with non-harmonized test results between different measurement methods, can potentially lead to incorrect decisions in patient’s treatment. Consequently, patient safety could be compromised. Therefore, recommended procedures related to preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical phases of prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen and D-dimer testing are provided in this review, aiming to help laboratories to generate accurate and reliable test results.

Post-analytical laboratory work: national recommendations from the Working Group for Post-analytics on behalf of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

The post-analytical phase is the final phase of the total testing process and involves evaluation of laboratory test results; release of test results in a timely manner to appropriate individuals, particularly critical results; and modification, annotation or revocation of results as necessary to support clinical decision-making. Here we present a series of recommendations for post-analytical best practices, tailored to medical biochemistry laboratories in Croatia, which are intended to ensure alignment with national and international norms and guidelines. Implementation of the national recommendations is illustrated through several examples.

Urinary circulating DNA and circulating antigen for diagnosis of schistosomiasis mansoni: a field study.

To evaluate three non-invasive assays for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis mansoni in an Egyptian village. Urine was collected for the detection of circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) and cell-free parasite DNA (cfpd) by Point-of-contact (POC)-cassette assay and PCR, respectively. These tests were compared to Kato-Katz (KK) faecal thick smear for detection of Schistosoma mansoni eggs. Disease prevalence by POC-CCA assay was 86%; by PCR it was 39% vs. 27% by KK. Compared to KK, the sensitivity of POC-CCA reached 100%, but its specificity was only 19.2% with 41% accuracy. Sensitivity of the PCR assay for cfpd was 55.56%, and specificity was 67.12% with 64% accuracy. A new end point was calculated for combined analysis of KK, POC-CCA assay and PCR. Sensitivity for the three tests was 52.94%, 90.2% and 76.47%; specificity was 100% for KK and PCR and 18.37% for POC-CCA. The accuracy calculated for the three tests at the end point was 76% for KK, 55% for POC-CCA assay and 88% for PCR. Conventional PCR assay for detection of cfpd provides a potential screening tool for intestinal schistosomiasis with reliable specificity, reasonable accuracy and affordable financial and technical cost.