Showing 19 results for Laboratory
F Tohidi, M Qorbani,
Volume 2, Issue 2 (10-2008)
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objectives: one of the endemic foci for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Iran is Mashhad in which limited outbreak have recently been reported. The commonly used method for diagnosis is the clinical features confirmed by direct microspic examination and culture or biopsy. We compared these two tests to determine the level of their sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value. Material and Methods: we performed this comparative-analytic study on 73 patients suspected of having ulcers Leishmaniasis in Mashhad, Iran. Giemsa was staining the smears and the samples cultivated on Di-phasic N.N.N. culture media . Analysis was performed by SPSS version 11.5 and Chi square test. A P- value less than 0.05 were considered as a significant. Results: In 43 cases (58.9%), both the smear and culture are Positive. In 13 cases (17.8%), the smear is negative but the culture Positive. In 17 cases (23.2%), both smear and culture are negative. The two methods are positively correlated (82%). Sensitivity, Specifity, Positive predictive Value and negative predictive value are 76.7%, 100%, 100% and 56.7%., respectively. Conclusion: when the smear is positive, there is no need for culture. However, the opposite is not true. Key words: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Laboratory Diagnostic, Direct Microspic Examination, Culture.
M Dastmardi, S Ghazinoory, R Assadifard, A Ebrahimi,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (10-2010)
Abstract
Abstract Bachground and objectives: Improvement of the effectiveness of services is one of the most important strategies in many clinical and research laboratory centers. The increased client satisfaction (researchers or patients), resource development innovation efficacy, continuity of services and income are also the important strategies of these centers. For achieving these strategies, we combined the qualitative and the quantitative approaches to evaluate the effective model based on frameworks of the Balance Scorecard (BSC) and the Laboratory Quality Management Systems (LQMS). Material and Methods: This paper describes the basic steps required for designing and developing of a model for performance measurement in laboratory centers. For model validation, the relationship between the criteria, the strategies and the strategic objectives was evaluated using both the AHP method and the evaluation by the experts. Results: Implementation of the above mentioned model, conducted in one of the largest Laboratory centers, has resulted in a remarkable enhancement in the efficiency (22%), profit (33%), and level of quality of service (27%) and in the clients' satisfaction (4%). Conclusion: This research model is a valuable tool for effective evaluation and continuous improvement of the clinical and research laboratory centers. Applying this model leads to increased resource productivity as well as the clients and community satisfaction from the laboratories services. Key words: Laboratory Centers, Performance Management, Balance Scorecard (BSC), Laboratory Quality Management Systems (LQMS)
Rezaei Ma, Ghahramani F,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2011)
Abstract
Abstract Background and objectives: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS) is one of the most well-known disease in the world .It is not only A heaththrapeutic problem but also with politic ,social, cultural and economic aspects. Paying attention to high-risk groups such as Lab staff is important. we decided to study and compare the knowledge of public and private Laboratories staff. Material and Methods: This cross sectional study, descriptive-analytic,was conducted on 350 personnel of private laboratories and educational centers of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences,2011.We collected Information by using a questionnaire including three parts of demographic characteristic questions, questions about knowledge in different fields of AIDS and those related to the performance of personnel. The results were reported as tables and graphs and analyzed by ANOVA,t-test and square. Results: The data, in different areas of AIDS, in public and private laboratories are similar and the difference statistically is not significant. Regarding to symptoms and treatment, the knowledge of privale Lab staff is higher than stste ones and this difference is significant (P=0.01).As a whole,the results show the knowledge of staff about the transmission modes(92.7%),the pathologic agent(99.2%),at risk people (61.2%)and preventive measure (53.1%).both group have good practice in wearing gloves and using disposable syringes.Regarding to disposing infectious waste material,private and state center practice are 92.6% and 77%,respectively. Conclusion: Based on the result,the knowledge relating to preventive procedures and at risk people of AIDS is not enough.Thereforeit is a necessity to hold in service training for Lab staff,stressing on disposing infectious waste materials. Key words: AIDS, laboratory personnel, knowledge, practice
Z Rahmani, S Royani, Ar Ahmadi,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (4-2013)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Every organization requires ongoing evaluation of existing conditions. The purpose of this study is to assess and analyze the standards and criteria that each Laboratory system is required to observe and upgrade them, to determine the gap between the ideal and the current status and finally to present the strategy and executive plan in order to achieve the desirable status.
Material and Methods: This study was performed in a medical diagnostic laboratory in Gorgan by using the quality system checklist related to medical diagnostic laboratories, which was revised in 2009. Internal evaluation matrix (Internal Factor Evaluation) was used to examine the main factors in the context of establishing a quality management system in a clinical laboratory.After examining the factors, determining the laboratory status, recording the results of monitoring (in terms of strengths and weaknesses) and determining the gap between existing and desirable status, we provided the appropriate and effective solutions in line with defined standard.
Results: of 164 items thatshould have been done in the first assessment, 111 (67.7%) items are in performed group and 53 (32.3%) are not in. After compiling and running a plan, 147 (89.6%) are performed, 15 (9.2%) needed to be modified and 2 (1.2%) still not performed. It is evident that a significant difference (p< 0.05) and a tangible improvement in current problems are seen after establishing the qualitysystem in the laboratory. The lab equipment, lab space and facilities, pre-examination process, testing process and post-examination process are considered .Regarding the health and safety in the laboratory, lab equipment, lab space and facilities, pre-examination process, testing process and post-examination process, no significant difference is observed between before and after the implementation of the program.
Conclusion:after establishing the quality system in laboratory, a significant difference and tangible improvement in the current problems are observed. It is implied the importance of pre-planned responses to problems and the performance of strategic planning.
Keywords: Strategic Planning, Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Quality Control
M Fakhar, E Ahmad Pour,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (4-2013)
Abstract
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) is a systemic infection disease that can be diagnosed by some invasive procedures such as splenic, liver biopsy or bone marrow aspiration, whichare determined as the gold standards for diagnosing of this disease. At present, a variety of noninvasive tests having different specificities and sensitivities are available for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. Direct agglutination test (DAT) can be an appropriate and applicable method provided that proper antigens are prepared. The rapid rK39 strip test (for detection of antigen) can be used for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which is suitable for acute forms of disease in the field. Other tests, such as rapid KATEX strip test (for detection of antigen) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which are recently recommended for diagnosis and prognosis of visceral leishmaniasis, are the simple, inexpensive and easily available under field conditions.This review article focuses on different, novel and current procedures for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis.
Key words: Laboratory diagnosis,visceralleishmaniasis, Kala-azar,rk39, Katex, PCR
S Shojaee, F Hosseine, N Fakhr-E-Rad, B Bijaree, M Sekhavati, M Fereidouni,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (7-2013)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Having knowledge about potential risks and the usage of safety equipment in laboratories can decrease the risk of occupational exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predisposing factors for occupational exposure and to assess the usage of safety equipment among personnel of medical diagnostic laboratories in Birjand.
Material and Methods: In this descriptive analytic study, all staff of laboratories was assessed by using a questionnaire including demographic data, type of accidental exposures and the use of protective equipment. Using SPSS software, we analyzed the data.
Results: Of 110, 84 (76%) have at least one accidental exposure to patients’ specimens in that 55% of accidents are related to sample preparation step. In 82% of contacts, carelessness is the underlying cause of exposure. Gown, glove, fume hood and mouth mask are routinely used by 97%, 48%, 34%, 1% of personnel, respectively. Nearly all of (97%) personnel were vaccinated against hepatitis B and 78% of them have performed routine blood test for detecting any infections.
Conclusion: The results of current study show that accidental exposures to patients’ samples are common among personnel of medical diagnostic laboratories. The level of preventive education and the rate of safety equipment usage are low therefore, we recommend planning of some training sessions to persuade the personnel for using safety equipment.
Keywords: Medical laboratory, Occupational Exposure, Specimens, Vaccination
B Rahimi-Esboei, Sh Gholami, A Ghorbani Pasha Kolaei, M Pour Haji Baqer, H Hasannia, R Shaban, As Paqeh,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (7-2013)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nowadays, downsizing the government to have an effective and flexible organization is considered to be government’s top priority in the world and outsourcing is one of the ways to achieve this goal. Accordingly, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences has delegated some of its hospitals' duties to the private sectors. The present study has been carried out to assess the performance of outsourced clinical laboratories.
Material and Methods: This Descriptive Evaluation study was carried out during 6 month (May 2011 till February 2012). The data was collected by two questionnaires with close-ended questions and one with open-ended questions, and analyzed by Wilcoxon, using SPSS software.
Results: There is an improvement in outsourcing laboratory services. For example, increase in the number of tests (32%) and in the type of tests (37%). Consequently, increase of hospital income (51%). The number of personnel is decreased and their responsibility and behavior are improved.
Conclusion: Overall, it seems that outsourcing laboratory program could achieve its major goals such as: Absorbing non-governmental resources in both administrative and financial aspects, omitting extra expenditure, acquiring benefits, and upgrading productivity of laboratories.
Key words: Outsourcing Laboratory Peformance
Md Omrani, H Mostafavi, S Khazar, S Ghalami, F Farajzadeh,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (7-2013)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nowadays, downsizing the government to have an effective and flexible organization is considered to be government’s top priority in the world and outsourcing is one of the ways to achieve this goal. Accordingly, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences has delegated some of its hospitals' duties to the private sectors. The present study has been carried out to assess the performance of outsourced clinical laboratories.
Material and Methods: This Descriptive Evaluation study was carried out during 6 month (May 2011 till February 2012). The data was collected by two questionnaires with close-ended questions and one with open-ended questions, and analyzed by Wilcoxon, using SPSS software.
Results: There is an improvement in outsourcing laboratory services. For example, increase in the number of tests (32%) and in the type of tests (37%). Consequently, increase of hospital income (51%). The number of personnel is decreased and their responsibility and behavior are improved.
Conclusion: Overall, it seems that outsourcing laboratory program could achieve its major goals such as: Absorbing non-governmental resources in both administrative and financial aspects, omitting extra expenditure, acquiring benefits, and upgrading productivity of laboratories.
Key words: Outsourcing Laboratory Peformance
Aa Jafari, P Saadat, S Gharachaeii, H Jafari,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (1-2014)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Laboratory personnel have always accidental exposure to clinical samples, which can cause the transmission of infection. This threat can be prevented and controlled by education for the use of safety instruments. The purpose was to determine the frequency of accidental exposure to laboratory samples among Yazd laboratory personnel in 2011.
Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 of Yazd clinical laboratory personnel. The data was collected, using a valid and reliable questioner, via interview and analyzed by means of SPSS software.
Results: Eighty-six percent of the subjects reported an experience of accidental exposure to clinical samples, such as blood, serum and urine. The causes were carelessness (41%) and work overload (29%). Needle- stick was the most prevalent injury (52%) particularly in sampler workers (51%) and in their hands (69%). There wasn’t significant relationship between accidental exposure to laboratory samples and the variables such as private and governmental laboratories (p=0.517), kind of employment (p=0.411), record of services (p=0.439) and academic degree (p=0.454). The subjects aged 20-29 (p=0.034) and worked in sampling unit had the highest accidental exposure.
Conclusion: Based on the results, inexperience of the personnel especially in sampling room, overload at work and ignorance of applying safety instruments are known as the most important reasons for accidental exposure to clinical samples.
Keywords: Contamination Accidental Exposure Infectious Agents Laboratory Personnel
M Dastmardi, A Ebrahimi, Az Mirdamadi, A Ebrahimi, H Ebrahimi, Sh Ebrahimzadeh Rajaee,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (1-2014)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Proficiency testing schemes as a part of quality system in clinical and research laboratory centers provides the opportunity to evaluate the quality of test results. In this paper, we try to introduce the proficiency testing schemes as a useful method for achieving standardization and homogenization of test results in clinical and research laboratory centers.
Keywords: Proficiency Testing Schemes, Quality Improvement, Laboratory Centers
A Kazemi, K Esmaili Torkanpouri,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (8-2014)
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objective: Nowadays, effective human resources management plays an important role in success of organizations. In order to achieve high efficiency of limited resources, managers of organizations try to allocate the best possible human resources for every section. This kind of decision is one of the challenges that human resource managers are facing with. Material and Methods: Using analytic hierarchy process and considering qualitative and quantitative criteria, we carried out the most suitable allocation in a medical laboratory and selected the best possible team of experts for each section. Results: Regarding specific attributes eight experts were allocated to three sections of a medical laboratory. Conclusion: Analytic hierarchy process is a suitable method for allocating human resources to different sections of a company. Keywords: Human Resources, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Medical Laboratory
Kashani, L, Okhly, M, Ghaemi, Ea, Behnampour, N., Kashani, E, Okhly, Ho, Fendereski, S., Bazoori, M, Falsafi, L,
Volume 8, Issue 5 (1-2015)
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objective: Along with antibiotics, the use of biological methods to combat bacteria is notably considered. A natural barrier such as amniotic membrane is one of the ways of dealing with bacterial infections. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial effect of human amniotic membrane. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed in Dezyani teaching Hospital of Gorgan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. To evaluate the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli bacteria, 20 amniotic membranes were obtained from postpartum mothers and examined by repeated dilution, diffusion and extraction techniques. Data were collected by observation method and described by mean and standard deviation. Results: The antibacterial activity was found in 15% of the samples against Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while no antibacterial activity was found against E. coli. Given the 15% positive responses, "Diffusion" and "repeated dilution" techniques were more effective in investigating the antibacterial effect of amniotic membrane. Conclusion: The results show the probability of antimicrobial effect of amniotic membrane tissue and it seems that this property can be affected by many factors. Keywords: Amniotic Membrane, Anti-Bacterial Properties, Laboratory Methods
Ameri, E. (bsc), Saeedi, P. (phd), Aa Ayatollahi,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (4-2015)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Efficient human resource is the major advantage of an organization over others. Commitment to organization not only may reduce sick leave, delays and displacements but also give rise to a significant increase in productivity, more vitality among staff, better attainment of the organizations' goals and personal aims. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between personal characteristics and organizational commitment among medical laboratory staff.
Material and Methods: This correlational study was conducted on 105 medical laboratory staff selected randomly in Gorgan, 2010-2011. The instruments for data collection were NEO personality inventory and Meyer and Allen's model of organizational commitment.
Results: The relationship between organizational commitment and the variables such as neuroticism, openness, agreeableness and Conscientiousness was positively significant but that was not the case for extroversion characteristic.
Conclusion: Given the positive relationship between personality characteristics and organizational commitment, we recommend improving these characteristics to enhance staff commitment to organization.
Keywords: Organizational Commitment, Personality Characteristics, Laboratory Staff
M Pourhajibagher , A Karami ,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (9-2015)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Biological weapons, like other weapons of mass destruction such as chemical, nuclear and radiological are very dangerous. In recent years, they are employed in biotterrorist attacks by many countries because of some properties such as: the ability to make massive injury, having latent period, creating a prolonged illness, potential outbreaks and epidemics and more important because of having nonspecific symptoms and difficulty in diagnosing.
Material and Methods: The objective of this study was to describe the role of microbiology laboratories and their experts in the interventions of bio-passive defense. In this study, we use CDC, Medline, Google Scholar, Pubmed and World Health Organization (WHO).
Result: Detection of biological agents is difficult and sometimes impossible due to features such as lack of odor, color and other physical characteristics. The most important measures for defense against biological agents are rapid detection and intervention. Thus, the laboratories should highly be equipped and the personnel be extremely sophisticated to deal with the crisis.
Conclusion: Regarding the presence of highly advanced molecular procedures, Microbiology laboratories have to be updated to deal with the potential threats .in addition, the Laboratories professionals must be trained for the latest guidelines and specific diagnostic techniques to work with biological agents.
Keywords: Bioterrorism; Biological Warfare Agents; Biological Defense; Clinical Medical Laboratory
Alavy Toussy, J, Soltany, S, Semnani, V,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (9-2015)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Knowledge about normal range of tests is one of the most important parameters in correct interpretation of the results. Accordingly, we decided to determine normal range of common paraclinical tests in Semnan and compare them with global reference ranges.
Material and Methods: The data from Khatam-al-Anbia laboratory from year 2011 to 2013 evaluated and the results compared with global reference ranges.
Results: Results and normal ranges of biochemistry, serology and hormonal tests were calculated. Normal range for Triglyceride was significantly higher than global reference range. Other tests' normal ranges were similar to global ranges.
Conclusion: Given large sample size, the results can be used confidentially in Semnan province and as a prototype for IRAN too.
Keywords: Clinical Laboratory Services; Diagnosis; Reference Values .
Royani, S, Ravaghi, H, Ahmadi, Ar, Vafaeian, Z. ,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (9-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objective: One of the organizations that have proceeded for very high standard quality management programs, ISO 9001-2008, is medical diagnostic laboratories. One of the important goals of most laboratories in the implementation of this standard is to reduce the current costs of repeated tests.
Material and Methods: The number of repeated tests was evaluated in biochemistry section (Glucose, Urea, Creatinine, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, AST and ALT) and hormones (T3, T4, and TSH) in three stages (pre-standard implementation, three and nine months after performing program). We analyze the data by Stat data software (version 8) using Pearson chi square test.
Results: The percentages of repeated tests for glucose, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT, T3, T4, TSH were 16.5, 2.57, 2.88, 12.7, 14.9, 10.38, 12.6, 3.55, 4.69, 1.85 for the first time and 20.5, 5.56, 5.41, 7.25, 20.0, 27.2, 30.1, 0.3, 6.04, 3.08 for the second time and 8, 8.3, 9.2, 7.1, 12.8, 17.4, 19.5, 0.0, 5.81,1.01 for the third time, respectively. The changes in statistical analysis of urea, creatinine, cholesterol, AST, ALT, and TSH were significant. The percentage trend of repeated tests for urea and creatinine was increased while for TSH, it was decreased.
Conclusion: Due to the nature of the experiments and the principles governing repeated tests, the acceptance and implementation of the ISO 9001-2008 only to reduce costs by reducing the percentage of repeated tests cannot be justified. To implement this process, all aspects of the effectiveness should be considered together.
Keywords: ISO 9001-2008, Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Effectiveness, Cost Reduction.
Ketabi, S, Ahmadi-Ahwaz, N, Moazzam, E, Mobasherizadeh, S, Alizadeh, V,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (9-2015)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Multi-criteria comparison between laboratories is important for laboratory management to improve performance and for policymakers to make strategic decisions. In this study, those aspects of performance are considered that are beyond the traditional evaluation carried out by checklist.
Material and Methods: After the identifying the effective measures, a comprehensive performance evaluation model was presented and the performance of each laboratory was evaluated regarding the use of resources, including personnel, materials, equipment, space and facilities. Data envelopment analysis (DEA), using output -oriented model with constant returns to scale (CRS), was used to evaluate the efficiency of the labs.
Results: the input variables were different kinds of the costs related to staff , material , equipment , space and facilities ; physical standards associated with personnel, equipment, materials , space and facilities; process standards: safety , pre-test process , test process , quality control and after-test process ; systems standards related to purchase and inventory, communications and information.
Conclusion: The application of the proposed procedure for comparing the performance of 18 selected laboratories has shown that only 17% were efficient. The model is also used to determine the causes of inefficiency and to propose the policy for improving performance.
Keywords: Efficiency; Diagnosis, Laboratory; Operations Research
Ehsan Ameri, Ali Farhadi Mahali, Mojtaba Tabari, Alireza Maetoofi,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (1-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: The hoteling quality promotion is part of the health system development plan, based on which the physical appearance of laboratories of public hospitals are improved and renovated. The present study aimed to evaluate the policy-making gap in the hoteling quality promotion of the health system development plan in providing laboratory services in public hospitals in the Golestan Province, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was performed on 384 medical staff and physicians working in laboratories of public hospitals affiliated with the Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Golestan Province, Iran. Data were collected using a 35-item researcher-made questionnaire that was distributed and collected over a period of six months. We examined the extent of the gap between the current and expected status based on the two components: the alignment of key stakeholders with health system development policies and stakeholders' opposition to health system development policies, as well as the extent of the gap
Results: The hoteling quality promotion was about -0.05 in providing laboratory services in public hospitals of the Golestan Province, indicating a low gap between the current and favorable status in the fifth axis of the health system development plan in terms of supervision.
Conclusion: The implementation of the hoteling quality promotion plan in providing laboratory services in public hospitals of the province is not consistent with the expected goals of the fifth axis of the health system development plan. Therefore, there is a need to examine and eliminate effective factors contributing to this gap.
Ehsan Ameri, Ali Farhadi Mahali, Mojtaba Tabari,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (7-2023)
Abstract
Ehsan Ameri 
1,
Ali Farhadi Mahali2 ,
Mojtaba Tabari3
Background: Improving the quality of visit services in laboratories of medical-teaching centers of universities of medical sciences plays a major role in providing better services to patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the policy of improving the quality of visit services of the reform plan in laboratories of medical-teaching centers in Golestan province.
Methods: The present research was cross-sectional and had a descriptive-analytical type. A total of 384 staff in the diagnostic laboratories were selected for the study using a simple random sampling method. The data collection tool included a 35-item researcher-made questionnaire.
Results: There was a gap between the current and desired status of the fourth axis of the health system reform plan. The gap was about -0.01, indicating that there was a gap between the current and desired status and it was related to the supervision department according to the respondents in the target statistical population.
Conclusion: The implementation of this plan was effective in improving the quality of visit services in laboratories of medical-teaching centers in Golestan province but this effectiveness did not meet the goals of the fourth axis of the reform plan. Therefore, the factors, which caused a lack of supervision among the executive departments of laboratories of medical-teaching centers in Golestan province, should be removed for increasing the effectiveness of this plan.
