Table 3.

Results of ability in malaria microscopy assessment indicators

Assessment indicator	Microscopists (n = 127)
	Mean	SD	Accuracy rate (%)
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	-