Developing a Standard Operating Procedure for Cytogenetic Laboratory Services at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital

Cytogenetic laboratories provide essential diagnostic support for chromosomal disorders, haematological malignancies, and reproductive failures. The development of robust, context-appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is foundational to delivering reliable cytogenetic services in Nigerian teaching hospitals. This professional development project designed, piloted, and evaluated a comprehensive SOP framework for cytogenetic services at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, FCT. The SOP development process employed a participatory approach, involving cytogenetic technologists, clinical geneticists, and laboratory quality managers. International templates from the Association for Clinical Genetic Science (UK) and the European Cytogenomics Association were adapted to the Nigerian resource context. The finalised SOP package covered specimen collection, lymphocyte culture, G-banding karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), result interpretation, and biosafety. Following a three-month pilot implementation, quality indicators including culture success rate, karyotype turnaround time, and abnormality detection rate were tracked. Culture success rate improved from 78 percent to 94 percent post-SOP implementation. Turnaround time decreased significantly. Staff survey confirmed high SOP usability. This project provides a replicable SOP model for cytogenetic laboratory development in Nigerian teaching hospitals. Keywords: cytogenetic laboratory, SOP, karyotyping, University of Abuja, quality management