Awareness and Knowledge of Drug-Laboratory Test Interferences among Medical Laboratory Technologists in Yemen

Abstract

Background: Drug-laboratory test interactions (DLTIs) can mislead the health care professionals and provide incorrect information regarding the patient’s health status. To date there are no specific courses in medical laboratory science curricula in Yemen that specialize in this topic. Objective: This study aims to reveal the knowledge about DLTIs among laboratory technologists in Yemen. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 governorates in Yemen to evaluate the awareness about DLTIs among laboratory technologists. An electronic questionnaire was distributed, and responses were analyzed. Results: A total of 396 laboratory technologists participated in this study. The majority of respondents (96.4%) reported that certain medications can affect laboratory test results, and 89.4% of participants showed knowledge about common medication interferences, but specific drug class awareness varied considerably. Only 53 (13.3%) had received formal training on drug-laboratory test interference and scored the highest in the knowledge questions. Conclusion: Formal training on DLTIs is important to ensure accurate laboratory test results