The use of biomedical equipment is an important part of healthcare delivery and medical research. Such equipment including haematology and chemistry analysers, BP monitors, X-ray machines and many others, are frequently used by UHAS staff in laboratories and hospitals. Proper functioning of such equipment is extremely vital and can only be ensured once regular calibration and maintenance have been done correctly.
Through a joint collaboration between the CSIR-Institute of Industrial Research and Biomed Systems Enterprise, 11 participants attended an intensive three-day capacity building workshop to introduce them to these skills or improve on any existing knowledge. The workshop took place from November 22 to 24 at CSIR in East Legon, Accra. Although biomedical equipment technicians were the target group, the training was open to everyone handling biomedical equipment and as such, two staff from the UHAS School of Pharmacy were included, courtesy of the generous sponsorship of the CEO of Interpharma Ghana Limited, Mr. Bright Kwabena Boateng, who understood the relevance of such training to faculty and technicians involved with pharmacy education.
The training began with an introduction to calibration of various measurement parameters including temperature, pressure, weight and sound. This session was handled by staff of CSIR. The center currently offers services in testing whether laboratory equipment brought to them meet calibration standards; and participants were shown the various laboratories where the calibration testing is performed. Participants were also introduced to the ISO/IEC 17025 standards for which laboratories must hold accreditation in order to be deemed technically competent.
The hands-on practical sessions were led by Mr. Leonard Nii Larmie Aryee of Biomed Systems Enterprise, who took participants through the parts and basic operation of a haematology analyser. Participants were expected to take apart and reassemble the equipment as a practical way of introducing the concepts of maintenance and repair.
On subsequent days, participants were introduced to the operation of a chemistry analyser, blood pressure monitor, and the general layout of electronic boards in most biomedical equipment. They were also introduced to hydraulics and how pumps operate to transport fluid in such equipment. Participants also underwent hands-on problem-solving sessions related to power supply as well as how fluid is transported from one point to another using pumps and tubes; and they were assessed and scored on their understanding of the operation of biomedical equipment.
Finally, the importance of safety precautions such as wearing of gloves when handling such equipment was strongly emphasized, as there is a risk of not only electrical injury but also biological contamination from preciously handled samples. At the end of the programme, participants were awarded certificates showing they possess a basic understanding of the operation and assembly of such equipment.
This training aimed to provide an understanding the basic operation of certain hospital equipment, and is meant to be the first in a series of advanced courses to be organised by the group. The advanced training sessions are meant to gradually increase the confidence and proficiency of participants in handling, calibrating and maintenance of biomedical equipment.
It is recommended that all laboratory technicians in UHAS be encouraged to regularly participate in such training since the reliability of measurements obtained from laboratory and hospital equipment is of utmost importance in the training of health professionals as well as the provision of health services to the public.