STUDY OF LABORATORY PRACTICES AT DESIGNATED MICROSCOPIC CENTERS LEVEL UNDER REVISED NATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL PROGRAMME IN RAIPUR DISTRICT, CHHATTISGARH
Background- Every year, approximately 18 lakh people develop TB disease and about 4 lakh die of it. India accounts for one-fifth of all new TB cases each year globally and tops the list of 22 high TB burden countries. Lab technician plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of patients and thus in the success of the programme. There is need to assess the proper implementation of programme at operational level and the grass root level realities of DMC’s. This study was planned to assess the laboratory practices by lab technicians at DMCs level under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh state. Method- Study was conducted in all 33 Designated Microscopic Centers (DMC’s) of Raipur district from November 2011 to October 2012. During the study, all (36) Lab technicians were included. Result- Majority of the lab technician were male. 94.4% were modular trained. IEC materials at DMC were available at 83.33% of centers. Laboratory stock like sputum containers, slides, staining reagents & disinfected materials were available for more than 1 month at 77.77%, 91.66%, 93.44% & 100% respectively. Correct method of display of contaminated material was observed in 36.11% of centers only. Conclusion- Supportive supervision should be carried out regularly to check for availability of sufficient stock and proper practices related to staining, examination and regarding of result