SOP – Malaria Microscopy - NVBDCP

Quality Assurance of Malaria Diagnostic tests7.4.4.1 New slidesDip all new slides first in chromic acid overnight and then wash with detergent andclean water:• after being soaked for a period between 30 minutes and 1 hour, rinse the slidesunder running tap water or in several changes of clean water.• wipe each individual slide dry and polish with the clean, dry, lint-free clothes.• handle cleaned slides by the edges only to avoid finger marks or grease beingdeposited on the surface.7.4.4.2 Used slides• soak used, dirty slides for a day or two in water containing detergent. Use warmwater whenever possible.• after soaking, clean the slides one by one with a small piece of gauze or cotton wool.• remove all traces of the blood film and oil (used during microscopy) from the slides.• do not leave the slides in the detergent for too long; soaking should be for a few daysonly, not weeks. If slides are left in the detergent solution for long periods, the waterwill evaporate, leaving a deposit on exposed slides that is impossible to remove.• After cleaning, transfer the slides to a fresh solution of detergent and later rinseunder running water or in several changes of clean water.• Individually dry with the clean cotton clothes, as described previously.• Separate slides that are slightly scratched and considered unsuitable for blood filmsduring cleaning and discard them.7.4.4.3 Wrapping cleaned slides7.4.4.3.1 Materials requiredFollowing materials are required to wrap cleaned slides correctly:• sheets of thin, clean paper, about 11 cm X 15 cm in size• empty cardboard slide boxes (of the type new slides are packed in)• rubber bands or adhesive tape.7.4.4.3.2 Method• wrap clean slides with thin paper in packs of 10.• secure each pack with adhesive tape or a rubber band.• place pack in the cardboard slide boxes for later use or dispatch to the field.• store slides in a dry place such as a warm-air cupboard. If stored at roomtemperature with high humidity, the slides will stick together after a few weeks. It willthen not be possible to use them unless they are rewashed and dried.SOP – Malaria Microscopy© Copyright to Dte. NVBDCP Only. Any modification are prohibited