PENINGKATAN KESELAMATAN DAN KETEPATAN PENGGUNAAN MOISTURE BALANCE ANALYZER MELALUI PENDEKATAN ACTION RESEARCH PADA MAHASISWA D3 FARMASI

Abstract

Moisture Balance Analyzer is an analytical instrument used to determine the moisture content of materials based on the loss-on-drying principle. Its accurate and safe operation requires an understanding of the instrument’s working principles, compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), appropriate sample preparation skills, and the implementation of laboratory safety practices. Preliminary observations at the Diploma III Pharmacy Laboratory of Universitas Islam Madura revealed that students had limited understanding of instrument operating procedures, safety requirements, and test parameter settings, which could affect measurement accuracy. This study aimed to improve the safety and accuracy of Moisture Balance Analyzer use among Diploma III Pharmacy students at Universitas Islam Madura. An Action Research approach was employed through the stages of Plan, Act, Observe, and Reflect. The intervention consisted of education, demonstrations, written instructions, hands-on practice, and supervised assistance. Data were collected using pre- and post-intervention observation checklists comprising 20 assessment items. Each item was scored from 0 to 2, resulting in a maximum score of 40 for each respondent. The data were analyzed descriptively using scores, frequencies, percentages, and differences between pre- and post-intervention results. The findings showed that the safety score increased from 62.5% to 90.0%, while the accuracy score increased from 58.0% to 88.5%, with an overall average increase of 29.0 percentage points. These findings indicate that the intervention improved the safety and accuracy of Moisture Balance Analyzer use in accordance with established SOPs.