Table 3 Results of ability in malaria microscopy assessment indicators

Ability in malaria microscopy (n = 4, maximum score = 5)

0.78

0.69

-

Preparation and documentation (n = 7, maximum score = 1)

0.9

0.11

-

• Preparation of microscope, needle, methanol and first-aid dressings, Giemsa staining solution, slides and object slides

-

-

98

• Check the expiry dates of all solutions

-

-

74

• Write the names of the patient on the slides

-

-

92

• Write the date on each slide

-

-

63

• Select the 5th finger of the left hand to take the peripheral blood sample

-

-

92

• Clean the finger with alcohol swab and allow it to air dry

-

-

98

• Record the results in the CHW register

-

-

98

Slide preparation and observation (n = 21, maximum score = 1)

0.76

0.09

• Take patient’s peripheral blood

-

-

98

• Prepare samples immediately after taking the blood

-

-

96

• Use clean slide

-

-

100

• Put one droplet of blood on the slide

-

-

79

• Using cover glass, spread the blood so as to obtain a thin layer of blood cells

-

-

97

• The angle of the cover glass is 30 degrees

-

-

72

• Dry immediately

-

-

99

• Fix with methanol for 2 to 5 minutes

-

-

94

• Too much drying damages the staining

-

-

26

• Keep the slides fixed with methanol horizontally and add the staining solution

-

-

82

• When numerous samples are used, use staining bottle

-

-

94

• Staining time depends on the concentration of the dyes(usually between 10 and 30 minutes)

-

-

88

• Maximum staining time is 45 minutes and even if you wait longer,the color does not change

-

-

49

• Wash with buffer

-

-

21

• If insoluble pigments are present at the surface of the solutions,take them off carefully

-

-

38

• Adjust the intensity of the staining through washing time with the buffer

-

-

17

• After washing, take off water quickly and dry with cold air

-

-

100

• Observe with microscope

-

-

100

• Nuclei of malaria parasite inside red blood cells will be stained in red

-

-

81

• The cytoplasm of malaria parasite inside red blood cells will be stained in

blue

-

-

94

• When malaria parasite is found inside red blood cells, check the type of

protozoa

-

-

97

Safe handling and disposal (n =6, maximum score = 1)

0.92

0.15

• Put on a new pair of gloves when starting

-

-

67

• Do not touch patient blood

-

-

85

• Use a sterile lancet to puncture the patient finger

-

-

100

• Discard the needle in sharps bins immediately after usage

-

-

100

• Use a new needle for each patient

-

-

100

• Discard glove wrappers, alcohol swab, desiccant and cassette in non-sharps

container

-

-

95

  Knowledge on the morphology of infected RBCs (n = 27, maximum score = 1)

  Cited in Table 4

0.55

0.12

-