2024 Volume 73 Issue 3 Pages 530-538
In Japan, the Parasitic Disease Prevention Law, which was enforced until 1994, led to a substantial decrease in helminthic infections, through rigorous testing, treatment, and preventive efforts. Concurrently, the demand for parasitic testing decreased, leading to a decline in the corresponding knowledge and skills of clinical laboratory technicians. Consequently, facilities increasingly outsource the testing of parasites, and many clinical laboratory technicians have grown uncertain about performing these tests due to limited experience. To address this challenge, the Clinical General Division of the Chubu Branch of the Japan Clinical Laboratory Technologists Association conducted a questionnaire survey in 2020, regarding parasitic testing across six prefectures in the Chubu region. The survey included 163 facilities that responded, 125 of which were involved in parasitic testing. The lack of test requests resulted in the outsourcing of testing to specialized centers, unavailability of essential reagents, and the inability to maintain internal quality control. Particularly in fecal examinations, a potential for inaccuracies in testing procedures was observed. Within clinical laboratory testing strongly emphasizes precision control and standardization, highlighting the need to establish an appropriate framework for parasitic testing. Moreover, a substantial demand exists for training in parasitic testing, highlighting the necessity for regular workshops, including practical sessions, to enhance technical proficiency.
