Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of Laboratory Technicians Regarding Quality Assurance in Central Diagnostic Laboratory in Tertiary Health Care Center

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Quality assurance refers to establishing and maintaining a certain level of quality in a product or service. Therefore, quality assurance in a medical lab refers to making sure the lab is running smoothly, safely, and effectively without any errors.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:The questionnaires was used to test the knowledge , attitude and practice regarding quality assurance of 80 laboratory technicians. There were 32 knowledge, 14 attitude and 22 practice related questions. The data obtained was entered in microscoft excel sheet and statistical analysis was done. A 4 point likert’s scale was used to assess the attitude of the participants.
RESULTS:The study population consists of 80 laboratory technicians out of which 58% were female and 42% male participants.A considerable lack of knowledge was seen regarding laboratory safety manual. A positive attitude was observed on all aspects of quality assurance. When practice regarding quality assurance was assessed, it was noticed that 89.9% of laboratory technicians knew the source of External Quality Assurance (EQAs) for the laboratories.A potential area of deficiency was also identified.
CONCLUSION: This study reveals a good knowledge and positive attitude regarding quality assurance in diagnostic laboratories. But a potential area of deficiency was also identified mainly due to lack of experience of the technicians.