Polio Eradication & Lab Procedures

General Knowledge & Procedures

• Familiarity with the WHO and its role in global health initiatives, particularly polio eradication.
• Understanding the different stages of the polio eradication program and their respective strategies.
• Knowledge of various types of polioviruses (wild and vaccine-derived).
• Awareness of different types of sample collections and their significance for analysis.
• Comprehension of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample handling, processing, and storage.
• Proficiency in identifying appropriate equipment and materials for quality lab work.
• Knowledge of sample transport methods and their guidelines for maintaining sample integrity.
• Understanding of quality control measures in the laboratory setting.
• Thorough comprehension of biosafety protocols for handling potentially infectious materials.
• Understanding of laboratory hygiene practices and maintaining a safe work environment.

Poliovirus Detection & Identification

• Recognizing different laboratory diagnostic methods, like PCR and cell culture, for poliovirus detection.
• Understanding the principles and applications of various molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to interpret results from molecular assays (e.g., PCR).
• Competency in performing appropriate microscopy techniques to identify poliovirus.
• Knowledge of different types of viral filters used for sample concentration.
• Familiarity with different types of cell cultures used to cultivate poliovirus.
• Differentiating between wild poliovirus and vaccine-derived poliovirus based on laboratory tests and characteristics.
• Understanding the principles of virus isolation & identification techniques.
• Ability to perform proper sample preparation procedures for virological analysis.
• Recognizing and differentiating characteristic morphological features of poliovirus from electron micrographs.

Safety & Quality Control

• Adherence to biosafety measures during all lab procedures.
• Thorough understanding of proper disposal procedures for hazardous materials.
• Implementation of quality control measures throughout every procedure.
• Recognizing different types of contaminants and their impact on the accuracy of results.
• Competency in troubleshooting for equipment malfunction or unexpected results.
• Understanding of the principles of good laboratory practice (GLP).
• Proficiency in maintaining detailed and accurate laboratory records.
• Ability to perform basic calculation to determine sample dilutions.
• Knowledge of different statistical methods to analyze laboratory data (if applicable).
• Proficiency in using standard laboratory equipment and their maintenance.

Reporting & Communication

• Proper documentation of procedures and results in accordance with WHO guidelines.
• Following the specific instructions given by medical supervisors in the laboratory.
• Effectively communicating results to the relevant medical staff and stakeholders via appropriate formats.
• Recognizing the importance of timely and accurate reporting, especially for urgent cases.
• Understanding the implications of laboratory findings for public health interventions.
• Proficiency in using necessary laboratory software for data recording and analysis.

Other Essential Concepts

• Awareness of the epidemiology of poliovirus in Pakistan.
• Understanding the importance of data management and analysis.
• Understanding and adherence to national and international guidelines related to polio, including those from the WHO.
• Adaptability to new technologies and methodologies relevant to this profession.
• Ability to work as part of a team and contribute to a collective effort.
• Maintaining a high level of ethical standards in all lab activities.
• Knowledge of chain of custody protocol when handling samples collected from patients.
• Experience in maintaining inventory and ordering of necessary laboratory supplies.

Additional Considerations for the Job Role

• Understanding the broader public health context of polio eradication efforts.
• Awareness of potential ethical considerations and societal impact of laboratory findings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborations.
• Ability to function effectively under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Awareness of existing and emerging challenges and technologies relevant to laboratory virology.

Note: This list is not exhaustive and specific topics within these categories could also be relevant and tested in the exam. Adequate preparation that goes beyond rote memorization of facts is necessary to truly understand and apply the concepts to situations in a polio laboratory.

This quiz assesses your knowledge of the World Health Organization's role in polio eradication efforts and laboratory protocols associated with sample handling and analysis. It covers various types of polioviruses, biosafety measures, and quality control processes in lab settings. Test your understanding of critical procedures and practices essential for effective disease management.