Evaluation of Microscopical Diagnosis of Malaria in Al –klakla Laboratories

Abstract

This study was conducted in Al-klakla medical laboratories to evaluate the microscopical diagnosis of malaria parasites. 15 laboratories of 3 different sectors (organizational, private, and governmental) were randomly selected. 453 blood samples were collected from patients who attended these laboratories to be investigated for the presence of malaria parasites. 2 blood films were made from each blood sample. The first prepared, examined, and the result was reported by the workers at these laboratories. Then the other was made and examined by the investigator for follow up and confirmation of the results. The examined blood films were then sent to the malaria reference laboratory of the Ministry of Hhealth for further confirmation. The results revealed the following: − The overall slide positivity rate of the study samples was 6% and 10% was reported from the different laboratories. − The general condition of the laboratory (building, cleanness, work space, water and electricity supply) showed no significant effect on the positivity of the results. − False positive results were not significantly different among the different laboratory sectors. − The results showed 25% false positive results when the collection technique was done properly and 38% when it was done improperly. − With good and bad smearing technique, the false positive results were 24% and 52% respectively. − With good staining technique the false positive results were 20%, and up to 42% with bad staining technique. − 29% false positive results reported when efficient microscopes were used, and 47% when inefficient microscopes were used. − 50% was the highest false positive results reported from diploma holder’s category, and only 22% was reported from bachelor holder’s category. − False positive results reported by personnel who received training in malaria diagnosis was 15% and 67% reported by the untrained category.