June 2024 Volume 10 Issue 2

MEDICAL SCIENCES JOURNAL

Corneal Scraping: A Comprehensive Review of Indications, Techniques, Microbiological Diagnosis and Clinical Significance

R. Sujatha, Nashra Afaq

  • Pages: 1-8
    • <p>Corneal scraping is a fundamental diagnostic and therapeutic ophthalmic procedure primarily performed in cases of infectious keratitis and corneal ulcers. It enables direct microscopic examination, microbiological culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and targeted therapy. Infectious keratitis caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites remains a major cause of corneal blindness worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Prompt and accurate diagnosis through corneal scraping significantly improves clinical outcomes and reduces complications such as corneal perforation and visual impairment. The procedure involves obtaining corneal specimens under aseptic precautions using sterile instruments after topical anesthesia. Various staining techniques including Gram stain, potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount, Giemsa stain, and culture on appropriate media play essential roles in organism identification. Recent advances such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), confocal microscopy, and molecular diagnostics have further enhanced diagnostic accuracy. This review discusses the indications, methodology, microbiological processing, complications, recent advances, and clinical importance of corneal scraping in modern ophthalmology and microbiology practice.</p>

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) in Microbiology Laboratories

Dr. Nashra Afaq, Dr. R. Sujatha

  • Pages: 1-8
    • <p>The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) plays a pivotal role in ensuring quality, competence, and reliability in microbiology laboratories across India. NABL accreditation provides formal recognition that a laboratory is competent to perform specific tests according to international standards, particularly ISO 15189 for medical laboratories and ISO/IEC 17025 for testing laboratories. In microbiology, where diagnostic accuracy directly affects patient care, infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, and public health surveillance, NABL accreditation has become increasingly important. This review discusses the principles, objectives, standards, accreditation process, quality management systems, internal and external quality assurance, documentation, biosafety, personnel competency, equipment management, and challenges associated with NABL implementation in microbiology laboratories. The article also highlights the role of NABL in improving laboratory efficiency, reliability of results, and patient safety.</p>

National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH): Standards, Implementation, Benefits, and Challenges in Healthcare Quality Management

R. Sujatha, Nashra Afaq

  • Pages: 1-9
    • <p>The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India established to improve healthcare quality and patient safety in India. NABH accreditation provides a framework for hospitals and healthcare institutions to achieve excellence in healthcare delivery through standardized protocols, continuous monitoring, and evidence-based practices. Accreditation focuses on patientcentered care, infection control, medication management, quality assurance, biomedical waste management, and staff competency. NABH standards are recognized nationally and internationally and serve as benchmarks for healthcare institutions. This review article discusses the evolution, objectives, standards, implementation process, advantages, and challenges associated with NABH accreditation. Special emphasis is given to microbiology laboratories, infection prevention and control, patient safety goals, and quality indicators. NABH accreditation has significantly contributed to enhancing healthcare quality, reducing medical errors, improving documentation, and strengthening patient trust in healthcare services.</p>

Surgical Site Infection During a Two-Month Study Period: A Prospective Observational Study

Nashra Afaq, R. Sujatha

  • Pages: 1-6
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