Standard operating procedures for the parasitology area in a public hospital in Ecuador

Abstract

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are indispensable for health professionals and hospital administrative staff; this instrument benefits the quality of analytical results. The objective of this research was to design SOPs for the Parasitology area at the Hospital de Especialidades Portoviejo (HEP), Ecuador. The research design was descriptive, observational, prospective and cross-sectional. A situational analysis was carried out to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the area. SOPs were established in the analytical phase of the coproparasitology service. The SWOT analysis made it possible to observe the state of the Parasitology area at the HEP; its strengths include the existence of competent personnel, compliance with biosafety requirements and equipment for the coproparasitological determinations offered; however, certain procedures such as specific staining and stool concentrates are not offered, which is a weakness. The SOPs were updated by taking information from the M28-A2 CLSI Manual, books and Good Clinical Laboratory Practices Guide; in addition to information adapted from the inserts of some kits. The documentation was supplemented in 8 existing SOPs and 5 SOPs were created. This contributed to the quality control assurance of the HEP laboratory, in order to collaborate with the needs of the Parasitology area.