QBC and Giemsa-stained thick blood films: diagnostic performance of laboratory technologists

This study compared the proficiency of military medical technicians in the diagnosis of malaria using Giemsa-stained thick blood films (GSF) and the QBC system. Fourteen technicians, with no previous experience of the QBC and limited experience in interpreting GSF, were given training in the 2 techniques and then tested on their ability to make a malaria diagnosis when provided with previously prepared GSF and QBC specimens (9 positive and 10 negative). The students achieved a sensitivity of 75% and 84%, respectively, with the QBC and GSF; specificity was 84% and 76%. There was no difference in the concordance of the 2 techniques with the actual diagnosis (80% vs. 81%).