Quality control in antibiotic susceptibility testing: Insights into laboratory technologists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in a low- and middle-income country setting

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding quality control (QC) of antibiotic susceptibility testing (ABST) among medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) in state-sector hospitals in Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes, practices, challenges, and suggestions regarding QC of ABST. The questionnaire was distributed in print at selected hospitals and online through Google Forms. Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact tests were performed using Jamovi version 2.3.28, with significance considered at P < 0.05. Results: The response rate was 54%. Most respondents (103, 53.4%) were aged 31–40 years, and 118 (61.1%) held a Bachelor’s degree. Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute M100 was used by <50% as a reference for QC strain acceptable diameters (90, 46.6%) and clinical isolate (95, 49.2%) interpretation. The majority (183, 94.8%) strongly agreed on the importance of QC. Among 109 with recent experience in Microbiology, 67 (61.4%) practiced proper QC strain storage. While most had favorable attitudes, good knowledge was observed in less than half, and good QC practices remained low, particularly among those with less experience. Conclusions: QC awareness was high, but knowledge and adherence to proper practices were limited, especially among less experienced MLTs.