Knowledge, attitudes and practices of caregivers and laboratory agents on the pre-analytical phase of haematological analyses in Burkina Faso

The pre-analytical phase of biological analyses is critical as it registers the most errors encountered within the testing process. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare workers on the pre-analytical phase in haematological laboratory. A cross-sectional study using an auto-administered questionnaire and direct observations of haematological analyses’ prescribers, blood samples and laboratory staff were conducted from June to August 2020. The questionnaires were designed to gather the socio-professional characteristics, knowledge and attitudes of participants. The observation grids were focused on their practices in haematological analyses requesting, blood samples drawing, transportation and reception at the laboratory. A total of 388 respondents were included. Their average seniority in the profession were 11.4 ± 3.8 years and 13.6% received refreshing training in the last three years. All the laboratory agents, 94.1% of analyses’ prescribers and 76% of blood samplers had good knowledge and attitudes. Moreover, 83% of the request forms, 29.2% of blood samples collection, transportation and 74.8% of blood specimens’ reception at the laboratory were rated good. This study reported some inadequate knowledge, attitudes and practices in the pre-analytical phase that call for reinforcement of basic and continuing trainings and implementation of rigorous technical procedures

Viral etiology of respiratory tract infections in children at the pediatric hospital in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children in Africa. The circulation of viruses classically implicated in ARIs is poorly known in Burkina Faso. The aim of this study was to identify the respiratory viruses present in children admitted to or consulting at the pediatric hospital in Ouagadougou. METHODS: From July 2010 to July 2011, we tested nasal aspirates of 209 children with upper or lower respiratory infection for main respiratory viruses (respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), metapneumovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses 1, 2 and 3, influenza A, B and C, rhinovirus/enterovirus), by immunofluorescence locally in Ouagadougou, and by PCR in France. Bacteria have also been investigated in 97 samples. RESULTS: 153 children (73.2%) carried at least one virus and 175 viruses were detected. Rhinoviruses/enteroviruses were most frequently detected (rhinovirus n = 88; enterovirus n = 38) and were found to circulate throughout the year. An epidemic of RSV infections (n = 25) was identified in September/October, followed by an epidemic of influenza virus (n = 13), mostly H1N1pdm09. This epidemic occurred during the period of the year in which nighttime temperatures and humidity were at their lowest. Other viruses tested were detected only sporadically. Twenty-two viral co-infections were observed. Bacteria were detected in 29/97 samples with 22 viral/bacterial co-infections. CONCLUSIONS: This study, the first of its type in Burkina Faso, warrants further investigation to confirm the seasonality of RSV infection and to improve local diagnosis of influenza. The long-term objective is to optimize therapeutic management of infected children

Weekly distribution of the three main detected viruses.

<p>Weekly distribution of the three main detected viruses.</p

Monthly distribution of viruses.

<p>Monthly distribution of viruses.</p

Progression of the epidemics of RSV and influenza virus infections related to temperature and relative humidity values recorded at 6 AM and 12 noon.

<p>Progression of the epidemics of RSV and influenza virus infections related to temperature and relative humidity values recorded at 6 AM and 12 noon.</p