Nationwide Survey on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices regarding Reference Interval Utilization in Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Clinical Laboratory Science
• Medical Diagnostics
• Public Health

Background:

• Reference intervals (RIs) are crucial for accurate clinical decisions.
• Many labs in Nepal use manufacturer-provided RIs without local validation.
• This study assesses knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding RI utilization in Nepal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current KAP of clinical laboratories in Nepal concerning reference interval (RI) utilization.
• To identify challenges and opportunities for standardizing RIs in alignment with ISO 15189:2022 accreditation.
• To gauge interest in national RI standardization and training initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide cross-sectional KAP survey was conducted among 56 laboratory professionals in Nepal.
• Data were collected via an online questionnaire assessing demographics, RI knowledge, practices, challenges, and attitudes.
• Descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square, Fisher's exact tests) were employed for data analysis.

Main Results:

• A significant portion of respondents (28.6%) held misconceptions about RIs.
• Most laboratories relied on manufacturer-provided RIs (87.5%) or literature (67.9%).
• Accredited laboratories (ISO 15189) showed significantly better RI knowledge and confidence in RI use compared to non-accredited labs.

Conclusions:

• Nepalese laboratories recognize the importance of RIs but face practical standardization gaps.
• There is a strong demand for national RI standardization and practical training workshops.
• Integrating RI validation into accreditation processes and conducting multicenter studies are essential for improving diagnostic accuracy.