Laboratory Quality Research Articles

Air quality trends for the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach spanning the covid19 crisis: Part 1. Oxidant pollutants

Ports are major air pollution sources impacting downwind communities with emissions from port activities, nearby energy and other heavy industries, truck, train, and vessel traffic, and commuting traffic. The Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, denoted Ports, are the western hemisphere's largest, with plans for port electrification to reduce air pollution. The covid19 shutdown impacted the Ports, providing a real-world experiment on the effects of electrification on exposure to neighboring communities.Eight in situ surveys with a mobile air quality laboratory (14 trace gases, aerosols, and meteorology) were conducted spanning the covid19 shutdown to characterize the resultant air quality changes. These data were combed with time series (2015-) from six Port area air quality stations and TROPOMI satellite nitrogen dioxide NO2 column XNO2.In situ surveys showed dramatic NO2 decreases from Jul. 2019 to May 2020 (during the shutdown), with NO2 only returning towards pre-covid levels by Jul. 2022. Lesser covid19 NO2 decreases were observed by the air quality station data and satellite XNO2 for the Los Angeles Basin; both showed NO2 decrease during the shutdown and an extended time for recovery to more normal concentration (and underlying economic activity) - until 2022 - far longer than the shutdown. Overall, ozone, O3 increased, signifying that O3, formation is volatile organic hydrocarbons, VOH, limited, with the strongest O3 source(s) arriving from offshore. This finding suggests efforts to purely address air quality by electrification without addressing area VOH emissions could potentially lessen, perhaps significantly, the expected air quality and health improvements in downwind communities. The Ports’ area industrial sites were identified as driving these VOHs, as the inverse relationship between NO2 and O3 persisted during the shutdown when non-industrial VOH sources would have decreased.

Pengembangan Sistem Informasi Laboratorium Untuk Meningkatkan Efisiensi dan Akurasi

The development of laboratory information systems has become a primary focus in efforts to enhance efficiency and accuracy in laboratory operations. This article discusses the need for system development and evaluates the existing systems, which may be inefficient or inaccurate. Through analysis, it is found that repetitive manual tasks, such as data entry, inventory tracking, and report generation, result in time wastage and increased human errors. Furthermore, fragmented and non-integrated systems in laboratories impede smooth information flow, reduce operational efficiency, and increase the risk of errors. Reporting is also limited and time-consuming. Based on this background, this journal aims to develop an efficient and accurate laboratory information system. The development methodology includes user requirement gathering, needs analysis, system design, development, and implementation. In the development process, tools and technologies such as RFID are employed to improve operational efficiency and data accuracy. Integration among system components is also enhanced to facilitate smoother information flow. The evaluation results demonstrate significant benefits of the laboratory information system development. Manual tasks can be reduced, operational efficiency is enhanced, and the risk of human errors is decreased. Tracking and monitoring become easier, while reporting becomes faster and more accurate. With the adoption of an integrated laboratory information system, laboratories can improve their efficiency and accuracy in operations. In conclusion, the development of a laboratory information system is a crucial step in enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Through appropriate approaches and the implementation of information technology, laboratories can reduce reliance on manual work, improve data accuracy, and facilitate smooth information flow. The implementation of an efficient laboratory information system will have a positive impact on productivity and service quality in laboratories.

Characterisation of physical properties of prepared cane from soft-cane varieties

Concerns have been raised that many sugarcane varieties in the development pipeline, particularly in the Central and Southern regions of Australia, have fiber quality classified as soft, with some soft enough to cause processing problems in the factory. The main issues have been feeding off the cane through the milling train and high bagasse moisture contents, causing subsequent combustion issues and low steam pressure at the boiler station. These cane varieties are usually designated as ‘soft-canes’, and their presence had been noted for at least 60 years. An attractive trait is their relatively high sugar yield per hectare. Some other general characteristics have been reported as often (but not always) having relatively low fiber content and being easier to prepare by the shredder, resulting in a larger number of smaller sized particles in the prepared cane. During the development of new cane varieties, Sugar Research Australia carries out tests for ‘fiber quality’. Experiments were carried out at Isis Central Mill to understand and improve the processing of existing soft-cane varieties. During the 2019 crushing season, a pilot-scale shredder was used to simulate the effect of shredder settings (speed and grid setting) that are known to affect preparation levels. Four existing soft-cane varieties (SRA1A, SRA4A, SRA11A and QN04-1643) were tested, along with Q208A that provided a reference as a middle-of-the-range variety (perceived to be neither a soft nor hard cane). The prepared cane produced was tested for fiber quality at the SRA fiber quality laboratory in Bundaberg. As measured at the factory, the preparation level and two physical properties (compression and permeability) were identified as important for the milling process. All the cane varieties responded similarly to speed and grid setting, with the soft-canes being part of a continuum, not a separate subset. The overall conclusion was that adjusting shredder speed and grid setting can control preparation and potentially address feeding problems at the milling train through improved control strategies.

Definition of system suitability and proficiency testing acceptance criteria for the standardization of quality control methodologies of botanical bioactives: A case study for the development of AOAC Official Method of Analysis 2020.05 flavanols and procyanidins

Flavanols and procyanidins are bioactives found in many foods including cocoa. The characterization of cocoa flavanols and procyanidins (CF) has historically been challenged by the lack of commercially available standards and weak chromatographic separation performances. The recent release of a reference material and the final authorization of an AOAC Official Method of Analysis (AOAC 2020.05) technically enables the standardization of CF testing. However, the practical implementation of CF testing for routine testing remains challenging for new laboratories, highlighting the need to define guidelines and acceptance criteria to verify normal method performance and user proficiency. This study leveraged the data generated from the recent multi-laboratory validation to define normal method performances. While the challenges associated with HILIC separation can be alleviated through a thorough system equilibration, monitoring system performances remains critical to routine operation and a laboratory’s ability to generate reliable data. Guidelines for routine analysis were developed for system precision and bracketing standard recovery, as well as acceptance criteria for the analysis of the reference material. These guidelines not only complete a body of work that provide accessible, reliable, and robust CF analysis solution to research and quality laboratories, but also provide an example to facilitate the establishment and implementation of future international testing standards for botanical bioactives.

Identifying human factors as a source of error in laboratory quality control

Identifying human factors as a source of error in laboratory quality control

Payer reimbursement practices and incentives for improving interpretation of germline genetic testing.

Germline genetic testing for inherited cancer risk has shifted to multi-gene panel tests (MGPTs). While MGPTs detect more pathogenic variants, they also detect more variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) that increase the possibility of harms such as unnecessary surgery. Data sharing by laboratories is critical to addressing the VUS problem. However, barriers to sharing and an absence of incentives have limited laboratory contributions to the ClinVar database. Payers can play a crucial role in the expansion of knowledge and effectiveness of genetic testing. Current policies affecting MGPT reimbursement are complex and create perverse incentives. Trends in utilization and coverage for private payers and Medicare illustrate opportunities and challenges for data sharing to close knowledge gaps and improve clinical utility. Policy options include making data sharing (i) a condition of payment, and (ii) a metric of laboratory quality in payment contracts, yielding preferred coverage or enhanced reimbursement. Mandating data sharing sufficient to verify interpretations and resolve discordance among labs under Medicare and federal health programs is an option for the US Congress. Such policies can reduce the current waste of valuable data needed for precision oncology and improved patient outcomes, enabling a learning health system.

Quality Management of the Pre-Analytical Phase Errors: Monitoring and Way Forward

Inadequate quality management during laboratory analysis can increase errors, specimen rejection, and economic resources wastages. A laboratory quality management system (QMS) helps to streamline and coordinate all the processes and operations within the lab, ensuring that each step is well planned, controlled, and correctly performed. Quality management ensures that results are accurate, reliable, and obtained under a traceable process that can easily detect errors. The study aimed to investigate quality practice among laboratory workers during pre-analytical phase activities. Unexpected deviation from quality procedures consequently compromise laboratory test results, leading to patient mismanagement and patient safety risks. Analysis of results showed that 97.1% (340 respondents) were knowledgeable on quality management of pre-analytical phase, and 2.9% (10 respondents) were not. 99.1% (347respondents) agreed to availability of quality management materials and 0.9% (3 respondents) had no resources. 4.6% (16 respondents) do not practice quality management system at pre-analytical phase and 94.5% (334 respondents) practiced quality improvements. 3.4% (12 respondents) agreed that quality improvement is the responsibility of phlebotomist and field staff. 96.6% (338 respondents) agreed that quality management is the responsibility of everyone at the facility. There was maximum knowledge of quality management at the facility. Availability of quality management resources at the facility was standard. The practice of quality management was below standard. Facility requires training in quality management. It is recommended that quality management system be integrated into the curriculum of school of health technology to guide graduates at work. Keywords: Quality, Improvement, Patient, Management, System.

Muscle histology and Sensory quality changes during freeze storage of North Atlantic shrimps (Pandulus borealis)

It is known that inappropriate transport or storage of shrimp can adversely affect different quality parameters. An experiment was designed to store North Atlantic Shrimp at two temperatures (-20ºC & -40ºC) for 2,4,6 months and analyze the quality changes during this period from these two groups at the seafood quality laboratory of Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Bodø University College, Norway. Texture was done with TA-XT2 Texture Analyzer and Color analysis was done with Minolta Chroma meter 300, shrimp muscle histology was studied and sensory analysis was done as triangle test. During the study texture was firmer and color was whiter at -40ºC storage than at –20ºC storage. Shear force increased during freeze storage at -40ºC and decreased during storage at -20ºC. In-20ºC stored samples larger ice crystals formed between the muscles. The sensory panel found difference between the -20ºC and -40ºC stored Atlantic shrimp samples after 2 months.

Efforts To Increase the Number of Customers Transacting at The Kimia Farma Malang Clinical Laboratory with The Blue Ocean Strategy Approach

PT. Kimia Farma Diagnostik is a subsidiary of PT. Chemical Pharmacies Pharmacies. KFD's business scope is clinical and clinical laboratories. This research is located in the clinical laboratory of Kimia Farma Malang. The revenue of the Malang pharma chemical laboratory in 2020 tends to be unstable and the number of customers has fallen. Based on the comparison of competitors, it can be seen that the competitor's facilities are superior with a larger number of outlets. Due to the limited facilities and human resources owned, the laboratory must have a strategy to be able to compete. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method in the form of a case study with direct observation, in-depth interviews, and document review. The interview results are translated into a SWOT analysis and then a four-step framework is created, namely eliminate, reduce, raise, and create. Then create a canvas strategy and then create an innovation strategy. After that, recommendations were prepared to increase the number of customers who transacted at the Malang pharma chemistry clinic laboratory. The results of this study show strategic innovations that are close to the Blue Ocean Strategy, namely the differentiation strategy of facilities and infrastructure, product development strategies (genomic laboratories, DNA test services and home services), Information Technology (IT) strategies, market extension strategies for laboratory quality to international standardization, market penetration strategies for customers (loyal customers and retain customers).

O-051 Refreezing and rebiopsy – are these worth it?

Abstract Preimplantation genetic testing of embryos offers the opportunity to avoid the transmission of hereditary disorders to the offspring by selecting out embryos affected by a single gene mutation or mutations (PGT-M), structural rearrangements of chromosomes (PGT-SR), aneuploidy (PGT-A) as well as polygenic risk (PGT-P). Over the last two decades, laboratory techniques have seen tremendous developments including extended embryo culture to blastocyst stage, trophectoderm biopsy and vitrification. The latter technique is highly efficient and allows multiple freezing and warming cycles when performed in proficient laboratories. At the same time whole genome analysis techniques provide the opportunity to analyse embryonic DNA in great detail for multiple indications simultaneously. The PGT process is sensitive to both biological and technical issues which sometimes lead to a failed PGT result. Failure of PGT diagnosis is reported to occur in between 2-12% of PGT cycles depending on the methodology used. The main causes of inconclusive diagnosis are DNA amplification failure and non-concurrent results. Independent variables that influence inconclusive results are day of embryo biopsy, number of cells taken at biopsy and the quality of the IVF laboratory. In order to seize every opportunity in reaching a diagnosis and optimize reproductive outcome for the patient, rebiopsy and retesting (double biopsy and double cryopreservation) can be performed. In situations where embryos need to be biopsied for PGT for reasons of newly found genetic indications or the clinical need for PGT-A, and after an initial cryopreservation, single biopsy and double cryopreservation may be performed with potential effect on subsequent reproductive outcome. A limited number of studies have addressed both the feasibility as well as the success rate of rebiopsy and refreezing. Most studies conclude that the technique is efficient in terms of diagnostic efficiency and reproductive outcome, when performed in expert laboratories. A few studies have addressed the health of the children after multiple biopsy and multiple freezing and have not shown increased risks. Larger studies are needed to establish the true clinical and health-economic value of rebiopsy and refreezing. The speaker will give an overview of existing evidence in literature and assess whether it is safe and worthwile to go the extra mile and consider refreezing and rebiopsy for PGT. Trial registration number XXXX

Is Our Newborn Screening Working Well? A Literature Review of Quality Requirements for Newborn Blood Spot Screening (NBS) Infrastructure and Procedures.

Newborn screening using dried blood spots (NBS) is widely acknowledged as a highly successful procedure in secondary prevention. For a number of congenital disorders, severe disability or death are impressively prevented by early detection and early treatment through NBS. However, as with any other screening, NBS can also cause harm, and the principle that "the overall benefits of screening should outweigh the harms" must be considered when introducing and implementing NBS programmes. This publication compiles the results of a systematic literature research on requirements for NBS infrastructure and procedures which was conducted as part of a research project on the quality and shortcomings of the NBS pathway in Germany. The compilation contains the requirements and recommendations for realising the principle of "maximise benefits and minimise harms" in relevant NBS pathway components such as parental education and information, coverage, timeliness, laboratory quality assurance, follow-up of abnormal results, confirmatory diagnostics, documentation, and evaluation. The results reflect the complexity of NBS infrastructure, and thus, they illustrate the importance of considering and implementing NBS as a well-coordinated public health programme with continuous quality management. Special attention should be paid to the perspectives of parents and families. Some NBS issues can substantially benefit from digital instruments or international cooperation. The literature review presented here has contributed to a concept of proposals for the advancement of NBS in Germany, and despite different settings, it may as well be of interest for other countries to achieve the best possible course and outcome of NBS for each child.

O-160 Do day of vitrification, grade of expansion and blastocyst quality affect embryo survival rate? An observational study in oocyte recipient patients

Abstract Study question Which parameters are the most predictive of embryo survival rate in oocyte recipient cryotransfer cycles? Summary answer We have identified that only day of vitrification and grade of expansion have an impact on embryo survival rate What is known already Embryo vitrification is a well stablished technique that has led to survival rates around ±96%. Recent studies, based on day of vitrification, grade of expansion and blastocyst quality, are trying to identify which vitrified blastocyst has the highest potential to survive and to implant. However, controversial results are present in the literature, improvements in laboratory quality parameters and embryo culture could unleash into no significant differences regardless of morphological parameters. Nevertheless, having an acceptable survival rate does not mean to have a good implantation rate, biomarkers to identify the best potential blastocyst to survive and to implant are needed Study design, size, duration An unicenter-based retrospective observational clinical study was performed at IVI Madrid, approved by the local institutional review board (IRB). The study included all the warmings at blastocyst stage from oocyte recipient patients from January 2019 to April 2022. A total of 4.196 of warmed blastocysts were assessed, out of which 4.006 blastocysts were transferred Participants/materials, setting, methods All warmed blastocysts were allocated in groups according to the day of vitrification, grade of expansion and quality. The primary outcome analysed was embryo survival rate that was calculated as the number of viable embryos divided by the total number of embryos warmed. Vitrification and warming were performed following Kitazato method (Cryotop, Kitazato, Biopharma). Embryo classification was assessed previous vitrification according to IVIRMA criteria. Statistical analyses were conducted using univariate and multivariate regression model Main results and the role of chance The mean maternal oocyte recipient age was 42.27±3.89 years old and body mass index 23±3.74 kg/m2). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, a statistically significant association between embryo survival rate and the day of vitrification and grade of expansion was found. Chance of survival was significantly reduced for blastocyst vitrified on day 6 (n = 737) compared to day 5 (n = 3459) (93,2 % versus 96,0% [OR = 0.976 (0.960-0.993); p=0.05]). Regarding grade of expansion, cavitated blastocyst (n = 840) survival rate was 97,7% [OR = 1;p<0.001], expanded blastocyst (n = 1866) was 96,2% [OR = 0.095 (0.978-1.013)], hatching blastocysts (n = 1465) was 94% [OR = 0.978 (0.960-0.997); p=0.02) and fully hatched blastocysts (n = 25) was 60% [OR = 0.704 (0.648-0.765);p<0.001)]. However, no association was found neither between lower inner cell mass quality [OR = 0.964 (0.842-1.104); p=0.596) nor trophoectoderm [OR = 1.004 (0.981-1.028); p=0.746)] and survival rate. Analysing the combination of these three variables will give us the possibility to choose the best embryo to warm. The impact of day of vitrification, grade of expansion and blastocyst quality on implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth rates will be included in further studies Limitations, reasons for caution A weakness of this study is that it is retrospective in nature. The single-group design employed in retrospective studies limits the researchers’ ability to determine cause and effect. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of these variables on the survival rate Wider implications of the findings Based on our findings, blastocyst survival rate is influenced mostly by the day of vitrification and degree of expansion. To be able to select the best blastocyst to warm, a comparison between different day of vitrification when we have a similar morphology and embryo quality cohort is needed Trial registration number Not applicable

Quality standards and internal quality control practices in medical laboratories: an IFCC global survey of member societies.

The trueness and precision of clinical laboratory results are ensured through total quality management systems (TQM), which primarily include internal quality control (IQC) practices. However, quality practices vary globally. To understand the current global state of IQC practice and IQC management in relation to TQM the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) Task Force on Global Laboratory Quality (TF-GLQ) conducted a survey of IFCC member countries on IQC practices and management. The survey included 16 questions regarding IQC and laboratory TQM practices and was distributed to IFCC full and affiliate member countries (n=110). A total of 46 (41.8 %) responses were received from all regions except North America. Of the responding countries, 78.3 % (n=36) had legislative regulations or accreditation requirements governing medical laboratory quality standards. However, implementation was not mandatory in 46.7 % (n=21) of responding countries. IQC practices varied considerably with 57.1 % (n=28) of respondents indicating that they run 2 levels of IQC, 66.7 % (n=24) indicating they run IQC every 24 h and 66.7 % (n=28) using assay manufacturer IQC material sources. Only 29.3 % (n=12) of respondents indicated that every medical laboratory in their country has written IQC policies and procedures. By contrast, 97.6 % (n=40) of responding countries indicated they take corrective action and result remediation in the event of IQC failure. The variability in TQM and IQC practices highlights the need for more formal programs and education to standardize and improve TQM in medical laboratories.

KARAKTERISTIK DISTRIBUSI ZAT HARA NITRAT DAN FOSFAT PADA AIR DAN SEDIMEN DI ESTUARIA TANJUNG LIMAU KOTA BONTANG KALIMANTAN TIMUR

This research was conducted in May 2021 - January 2022. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of nitrate and phosphate content in water and sediment in the Tanjung Limau estuary, Bontang City, East Kalimantan. Sampling of water and sediment was carried out at 4 research stations using a random method which was then analyzed at the Water Quality Laboratory and Soil Science Laboratory of PPLH Mulawarman University. The results showed that the nitrate content in the water was 0.012-0.018mg/L, 4.20-9.09% in the sediment, while the phosphate in the water was 0.014-0.077 mg/L and the phosphate in the sediment was 0.021-0.030%. The results of the analysis show that the nitrate and phosphate content is higher at Station 1 and lower towards Station 4. There is a significant difference between the nitrate and phosphate content in the water and in the sediment. The content of nitrate and phosphate is mostly sourced from upstream of the river, namely in residential areas and mangrove forests.

Futuristic Water Lab Enhances Colorado Educational Hub

Denver Water's water quality laboratory is part of an innovative, forward‐thinking learning center created by Colorado State University (CSU). Students of all ages visiting the center will experience a range of scientific disciplines in action.

Penyusunan Dokumen Mutu Laboratorium Guna Peningkatan Kualitas Pengelolaan Laboratorium di Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan Negeri (SMKN)

Vocational High Schools (SMK) in the learning process are supported by laboratories or workshops that provide competence to students. The existence of the Teaching Factory program as a result of cooperation between SMKN and industry is one factor that requires the school to prepare quality documents, competent laboratory managers, and skilled students. Therefore, well-organized Laboratory Management will benefit schools, students, laboratory users, and stakeholders. This activity aims to provide understanding and assistance in compiling laboratory quality documents that adopt the SNI ISO 17025:2017 quality management system. This system regulates testing laboratories and calibration laboratories, but it is very appropriate if adopted in several cases to be applied to educational laboratories, especially the preparation of laboratory quality documents. Community Service activities were conducted at SMKN 4 in Bondowoso Regency and SMKN 8 in Jember Regency. Based on the discussion and questionnaire results, the activity showed that at both SMKNs, the understanding of the laboratory quality management system increased (72.7%) for both students and managers (teachers and technicians/labor). Quality documents for levels 2, 3, and 4 at both SMKNs have been compiled. The number of Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) documents at SMKN 4 is 8 SOPs; at SMKN 8, as many as 31 SOPs are based on SNI ISO 17025:2017 laboratory QMS.

IMPACT OF THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE AZS ISO/IEC 17025-2020 STANDARD ON THE RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS CARRIED OUT IN TESTING AND CALIBRATION LABORATORIES

For the adequacy of calibration/testing laboratories general conditions are defined in the AZS ISO/IEC 17025-2020 [1] standard, and the Azerbaijan Accreditation Center accreditation by (AZAK) audits in accordance with the conditions specified in this standard being carried out. The conditions to be complied with in the AZS ISO/IEC 17025-2020 standard are specified in the sections under the headings of "Management Conditions" and "Technical Conditions". In accreditation audits, the quality management system of laboratories, “Management Conditions”; calibration/testing activities are evaluated according to the requirements specified under “Technical Conditions”. To be accredited for calibration/testing services a laboratory that wants to meet the conditions specified in the standard creates/maintains the quality management system (QMS) in line with in this context, it creates the quality management system documentation in which the QMS applications are defined. The laboratory's quality management system policies and quality policy The Quality Handbook, which contains the declaration, is the most important document of this documentation. During the accreditation process, these documents and those defined in these documents. The services/activities provided according to the practices are subject to audits. In this statement, by giving information about the technical conditions considered, mostly in the technical activities of laboratories an assessment of the observed nonconformities is done.

Вплив генетично модифікованої сої на продуктивність і якість м’язової тканини свиней

Goal. To study the productive and slaughter qualities of young pigs and the chemical composition of muscle tissue and liver for the use of high-protein fodder — narrow-leaf lupine and genetically modified (GM) soybeans as a part of fodder grain mixes. Methods. In the experiment, two groups of experimental animals were formed: the first group (control) was fed with grain mixture № 1 with narrow-leaved lupine (alkaloid-free) and sunflower cake; the second group (experimental) received grain mixture № 2 with GM soy. The live weight of young pigs was determined by individual weighing before morning feeding, feed payment by live weight gain — by calculation method, slaughter quality — by the technology used at meat processing enterprises, and chemical composition — by generally accepted methods. Laboratory studies of soy, muscle tissue, and liver for the content of genetically modified organisms were carried out at the Ukrainian Laboratory of Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products. Results. Soybeans contained genetically modified desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), had a target promoter sequence 35S + FMV of Cauliflower mosaic virus, and the NOS-terminator (nopaline synthase) of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. According to the results of qualitative analysis of the longest back muscle and liver of young pigs, no genetically modified organisms and products containing them were found. Conclusions. Optimizing the protein nutrition of young pigs due to genetically modified soybeans compared to the use of lupine and sunflower cake harmed live weight and average daily gains of animals (–11.6%) with the higher expenditure of exchangeable energy (+20.5%) per unit of gain. A comparative analysis of the chemical composition of the longest back muscle of gilts showed that in the muscle tissue of animals of the II (experimental) group, the concentration of dry matter, protein, and ash was lower by 0.60%, 1.10 and 0.08% abs., respectively, and fat — by 0.58% abs. greater than in animals of the I (control) group.

QUALITY CONTROL IN FOOD LABORATORIES ON MICROPLASTICS

Microplastics are small particles of any kind of plastic, not exceeding 5 mm. Microplastic is one of the main problems today. Because these small particles not only pollute the environment, but also get into living organisms, animals and, worst of all, into the human body as a result of natural circulation in nature. Thereby contribute to the formation of various diseases in the human body. Because of the size of microplastic we do not notice how it enters our body. But they can be detected by laboratory tests. To date, unfortunately, accredited food laboratories quality control passes without detecting microplastic particles. In our opinion, this is the main problem. We consume microplastics in food and water every day without even noticing it. This article describes research carried out in various countries of the world and shows in what products was found microplastics. And also how to find and measure microplastics in the laboratory. This, in turn, may be useful to reduce the amount of microplastics in the human body. In conclusion, we propose to strengthen the development of new reference materials, to develop new standards for microplastics and to implement microplastic detection devices in the quality control system of food laboratories, to report the size of microplastic particles detected in the samples. We also recommend the further development and standardization of analytical methods to assess, analyze, and quantify its presence in food quality control. And quality control by implementing microplastic screening and detection methods in accredited food laboratories. Keywords: Microplastic, pollution, accreditation, quality control.

Clinicians’ satisfaction with laboratory services and associated factors at public health facilities in Northeast Ethiopia

BackgroundSatisfaction has become a key measure of quality and an important tool for improvement. Laboratories are increasingly required to regularly assess satisfaction of their customers. This study aimed to assess clinicians’ satisfaction with laboratory services and associated factors at public health facilities.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Northeast Ethiopia from May to June 2019. Eight hospitals and 24 health centres were first selected using a stratified sampling method, and a total of 224 randomly selected clinicians were included. Satisfaction with multiple aspects of laboratory services was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire, on a rating scale of 1 (very dissatisfied) to 5 points (very satisfied). Laboratory quality assessment was performed using WHO-AFRO’s stepwise accreditation checklist. Multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to determine the association between independent variables and clinicians’ overall satisfaction level using STATA ver14.1. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsOverall, 72.8% of the clinicians were satisfied. Lowest mean ratings were obtained for the helpfulness of the laboratory handbook (3.3), provision of STAT/urgent services (3.7), and adequacy of tests provided (3.8). The clinicians’ timely receipt of results (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.1–5.0), notification of panic results (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1–5.6), perceived quality/reliability of test results (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.5–6.3), and the laboratories’ rate of concordant malaria microscopy results (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1.8–9.3), were significantly associated with satisfaction.ConclusionsNearly one-third of clinicians were not satisfied with the laboratory services. Laboratory managers should emphasize the timely communication of STAT/urgent and panic results, and the reliability of test results, to improve users’ satisfaction and overall quality of care.