The following is a step by step guide for performing a rapid test for Malaria:
Assemble the following materials before beginning the procedure:
- A new test pack which is not tampered with
- A pair of disposable gloves which is not compromised
- A new alcohol swab
- A timer
- A buffer
Once the materials are ready, perform the test using the following steps:
Confirm the expiry date on the test packet to avoid any potential risk on the patient then put on the pair of gloves and make sure that you use a new pair of gloves for each patient.
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Open the test packet and arrange on the table the test, capillary tube and the descant sachet and note down the name of the patient on the test then open the alcohol swab and hold the fourth finger of the patient’s left hand. Clean it and allow it to dry before pricking it.
Open the lancet and prick the patient’s hand to draw the blood. Dispose of the lancet in the sharps box immediately after pricking the patient.
Using the capillary tube, draw blood sample from the patient. Use the capillary tube to put blood into the squared region of the test then discard the capillary tube in the sharps box immediately after use. Add the correct number of drops of the buffer into the round hole on the test then wait for exactly fifteen minutes after adding the buffer
After the fifteen minutes elapses, the technician should read the test results. They should however note that any attempt to read the results earlier than the set time will compromise the credibility of the results. A positive result will be indicated by the presence of two lines on the test; one near the “C” and the other near the “T”. The technician should also note that the patient is positive for malaria even if the line near the “T” is faint. Negative results will be indicated by a line near the “C” and no line near the “T”. The absence of a line on “C” or the “T” indicates invalid results. In this case, the technician is advised to repeat the test using new rapid diagnostic tests. After completing these procedures, the technician should dispose the pair of gloves, desiccant sachet and the alcohol swab in the non- sharp waste bin. The technician will now record the patient’s results on their CHW register and dispose the cassette in the waste bin. It is important to note that the test can only be used once.
In implementing Job Aid, the staff will attend a workshop on malaria control, and they will undergo a thorough practical experience of the procedure given in the job aid. Upon returning from the workshop, the staff will be given an opportunity to give a presentation using any materials whether video or PowerPoint presentations to enhance the individual learning experience. In addition to this, the list showing the step by step guidelines of how to perform the rapid test will be stick on the operation benches for purposes of quick referencing by the laboratory staff when need be. The guide will enable the efficient and accurate handling of malaria patients in the hospital since the instructions are simple and self-explanatory. The guide is also important since it capture the latest techniques of performing malaria test. It is particularly useful for new and less experienced staff in improving their laboratory skills by constantly referring to the manual. It is also important to note that the job aid will also be useful in providing consistency in the manner in which the rapid malaria test will be done by all staff and hence guarantee accuracy in the results of the test. The job aid format used is cost effective considering that the material will be produced locally and made available to all staff in the cheapest forms possible including printing on regular paper and also making the step by step guide on computer screens in the laboratory. In the event that new employees are recruited, the job aid will be particularly important in keeping the new staff upto speed on the new procedure for performing a rapid malaria test.
Through the job aid, the staff will be able to serve a large number of malaria patients considering the recent prevalence of malaria cases. This will in turn impact positively on the reputation of our organization triggered by customer satisfaction and positive feedback from the customers. The aid will be made available in digital format hence more easily accessible to the staff since the aid will be only a click away on their mobile phones or computers. This is advantageous especially during situations when the organization conducts malaria tests in the fields hence they will be accessing the material from anywhere hence improve on the field activities of our organization.
The job aid will help in reducing the training time since the staff will learn as they perform the job. The job aid will greatly improve the self- sufficiency of employees since they will be able to run tests on their own without relying on fellow workers or relying on supervision or frequent guidance by the mangers. The job aid offers a long-term approach on how to train employees and help in improving the individual performance of employees in the long run due to improved speed of operations. The job aid is task-based hence improve the worker’s ability to retain the skill. The workers can use this job aid alongside other training tools such as video tutorials and pictorial representation. The job aid format allows flexibility so that the workers can easily adapt to new techniques owing to technological advancements easily. Since the procedure involves human lives at stake, the job aid will help staff to avoid misdiagnosis hence putting the patient’s life in danger. In the event of an error; say invalid results, the job aid will help the staff to track and identify the potential cause of the error and help them correct the mistake as they repeat the procedure. The job aid will significantly improve the performance of these workers and hence build their self-confidence. Another implementation strategy of the job aid will include the formation of a training committee which will be mandated with the task of equipping the staff with the new rapid malaria test procedures. The committee will develop a computer-based training model that will be easily accessible on demand. The committee will also be required to develop a pictorial representation of the steps to follow when performing the procedure. These pictures will be mounted where they will be easily visible by the staff. Provision of pocket manuals will also enhance a quick access to these step by step guidelines as stipulated in the job aid. The committee will also play a pivotal role in assessing the impact of the training on individual staff. They will also help in collecting performance-based feedback for the purpose of assessing the effect of the training on the customers through customer satisfaction. Part of the training will involve mentioning clearly the possible consequences of failing to adhere to the given guidelines to the organization. The job aid is expected to generally improve the efficiency of the organization and help staff embrace the new techniques of operations.
