Evaluation of laboratory workers competency on loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology for malaria...

Molecular malaria diagnostic approaches present high sensitivity and detect submicroscopic parasitaemia in a patient. However, molecular techniques like polymerase chain reaction are costly, require specific equipment and the reaction read-out interpretation can require extensive experience. Hence, a simple and user-friendly loop mediated isothermal amplification molecular technique resolves limitations of the polymerase chain reaction. However, performing accurate and high-quality loop mediate isothermal amplification reactions requires appropriate training and follow up, particularly for laboratory staff who have never performed molecular methods. This study aimed to assess the potential gain in knowledge and technical skills provided by the initial training and during onsite support visits.

All laboratory technicians hired in the LAMPREG study were enrolled, consented and skills were evaluated using a questionnaire before and after training, as refresher and follow up interventions during health centre inspections. Data entry was performed using an excel table. Data analysis was performed using Prism Graphpad v8.0 for windows.

From the total enrolled 15 participants, all but one participant reported no previous work experience with LAMP technology. In contrast to pre-initial training evaluations, a report during post-training showed the self-assessed technical knowledge median rating increased by four points (median score of 5/5, range 4/5-5/5), and knowledge of the LAMP chemistry itself increased by 9 points (median score of 10/10, range 6/10-10/10). Regarding assessment on follow up visits, all participants reported being self confident on their ability to run a LAMP reaction, and the self-assessment of raw results interpretation was excellent with a median score of 10/10 (range 8/10-10/10) at the first follow-up and 10/10 (range 10/10-10/10) at the second follow up assessment.

Clinical trials and diagnostic studies lead to the new implementation of technology in rural settings. Providing adequate training, support, and evaluation, is part of a successful technology transfer programme.