Enhancement of knowledge and skills in laboratory techniques for autoantibody evaluation: Utility of a single-day hands-on workshop

Durga Prasanna Misra; Krushna Chandra Pani; Sajjan N Shenoy; Anupam Wakhlu; Parasar Ghosh; Pravin Hissaria; Vikas Agarwal

doi:10.4103/injr.injr_153_17

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Year : 2018 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 3 | Page : 178-181

Enhancement of knowledge and skills in laboratory techniques for autoantibody evaluation: Utility of a single-day hands-on workshop

Durga Prasanna Misra¹, Krushna Chandra Pani¹, Sajjan N Shenoy², Anupam Wakhlu³, Parasar Ghosh⁴, Pravin Hissaria⁵, Vikas Agarwal¹
¹ Department of Clinical Immunology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
² Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
³ Department of Rheumatology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
⁴ Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
⁵ Department of Clinical Immunology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia

Correspondence Address:
Dr. Vikas Agarwal
Department of Clinical Immunology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow - 226 014, Uttar Pradesh
India

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None

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DOI: 10.4103/injr.injr_153_17

Background: Laboratory tests evaluating autoantibodies form a key part of rheumatology practice, yet this remains the least emphasized part of rheumatology training. Methods: We conducted a single-day autoantibody workshop to train young rheumatologists in the principles of autoantibody testing as well as provide hands-on exposure to conduct these tests. We assessed the efficacy of this workshop by pretest and posttest questionnaires evaluating three domains – Antigen–antibody interactions and laboratory techniques other than immunofluorescence (Domain 1); immunofluorescence (Domain 2); and clinical relevance of autoantibodies (Domain 3). In addition, we also sought unstructured feedback from participants. Results: There was a baseline knowledge deficit regarding autoantibody estimation and evaluation among the participants. Comparison of pre- and posttest questionnaires revealed that the 1-day workshop was effective in improving overall knowledge about autoantibody testing as well as in Domain 1 and 2 but not Domain 3. Hands-on exposure and basic level discussion of laboratory techniques were appreciated by attendees. Conclusion: A single-day workshop is effective in enhancing knowledge of attendees about autoantibody testing. In-depth discussions about these laboratory techniques in rheumatology, the immune mechanisms involved and association with clinical scenarios require workshops of longer duration.

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