Diseño de implementación de un laboratorio de biología molecular en el Hospital Provincial General Docente Ambato

Abstract

Molecular biology has improved the diagnosis and treatment of diseases at the genetic level, and the PCR technique is essential in the clinical laboratory. The implementation of a molecular biology laboratory in a hospital can be of great importance, and facilities, equipment, and personnel must be considered. In Ecuador, the General Teaching Hospital of Ambato needs a molecular diagnosis area to improve the quality of medical care and diagnostic support. The implementation of molecular biology laboratories in hospitals in Latin America has been a growing trend in the last decade, with successful examples in Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Brazil. These laboratories have been fundamental for the diagnosis of genetic and infectious diseases, allowing early detection and more precise treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of laboratory diagnosis, and efforts have been made to standardize diagnostic procedures. The study was conducted at the General Teaching Provincial Hospital of Ambato in Ecuador, using an observational and descriptive research model with a qualitative approach. The study population included medical personnel, clinical laboratory technologists, and nurses working directly at the hospital. The sample size was 66 individuals. Data collection for the project involved a literature review and a survey to determine the need and feasibility of implementing a molecular biology laboratory in the hospital. The survey was conducted with 66 healthcare professionals and analyzed using statistical tools. There is a need and feasibility to implement a molecular biology laboratory in the General Teaching Hospital of Ambato in Ecuador, with the aim of improving the quality of medical care and diagnostic support.