A TECHNICAL REPORT ON STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK

EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

UNDERTAKEN AT
SHAMMAH CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL,

WOJI ESTATE, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE.

SUBMITTED TO
THE SIWES COORDINATOR THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOSCIENCE AND
BIOTECHNOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY UNIT, COLLEGE OF PURE AND APPLIED
SCIENCE, KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY, MALETE, ILORIN KWARA STATE,
NIGERIA.

BY
ABDULLATEEF AYOTOMIWA KOLAWOLE
19/57MB/01171

COURSE CODE: MCB310

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE AWARD OF A BACHELOR OF

SCIENCE DEGREE (B.SC) IN MICROBIOLOGY

September 2022

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 DEDICATION
This report is dedicated to Almighty ALLAH, the giver and sustainer of life, for His
unconditional love and mercy granted to me throughout the period of my Industrial Training.

ACKNOWLEDGDEMENT
My special appreciation goes to Almighty Allah for His unending mercies and grace
during the course of my Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
I would like to acknowledge My PARENTS who have contributed immensely towards my
education. I also acknowledge my brothers and sisters for their love, care and kind gesture. God
bless you all for me.
I also express my ultimate gratitude to my friends, my industrial based H.O.D and
supervisor for their efforts during my training, and also to my H.O.D and all lecturers of
Microbiology department , and to all the students whom I did the training with for making it
worthwhile.

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 REPORT OVERVIEW
This report contains the summary of the training experience gained during the Industrial
attachment at Shammah Christian Hospital, Woji Estate, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. How
patients are being managed and also the several test carried out for patients such as HIV,
Hepatitis B&C, Widal test, Malaria Test, etc. These sections have exposed me to the
precautions, rules and regulations of the laboratory, how to diagnose patients and the test are
being analyzed.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT
TITLE PAGE
DEDICATION
REPORT OVERVIEW
TABLE OF CONTENT
LIST OF FIGURES
CHAPTER 1:- Introduction SIWES
1.1 Brief background of SIWES
1.2 Objective of SIWES

CHAPTER 2:-Description of the establishment of attachment

2.1 Location and brief history of establishment
2.2 Objectives of establishment
2.3 Organization structure (including Organogram)
2.4 Various Departments in the Laboratory

CHAPTER 3:- Experience Gained During the Programme

3.1 Description of work done
3.2 Safety Precaution in the Laboratory

CHAPTER 4:- Laboratory Equipment and their Uses

CHAPTER 5:-Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations.

5.1 Summary of Attachment Activities
5.2 Problems Encountered During the Programme
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Suggestions for Improvement of the Scheme.

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1.1 BRIEF HISTORY OF S.I.W.E.S.

SIWES was established in 1973 by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) as one of
her programmes. It was designed to give Nigerian students studying occupationally-
related courses in higher institutions the experience that would supplement their
theoretical learning in order to solve the problem of lack of adequate practical skills
preparatory for employment in industries by Nigerian graduates of tertiary institutions.
The Scheme exposes students to industry based skills necessary for a smooth
transition from the classroom to the world of work. It affords students of tertiary
institutions the opportunity of being familiarized and exposed to the needed experience
in handling machinery and equipment which are usually not available in the educational
institutions.
Participation in SIWES has become a necessary pre-condition for the award of
Diploma and Degree certificates in specific disciplines in most institutions of higher
learning in the country, in accordance with the education policy of government.
Usually there are three modules: The first module is for two months and this is
taken by all 200- level Engineering and Food Technology students in University. This
module of industrial Training is designed to expose the students to engineering and
technology operations at the shop floor level. The second module is for three months.
This is for the 300-level students of Engineering, Food Technology, Geography,
Biochemistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, Geology, Physics, and Library Science. The third
module is however for six months and it is taken by 400-level students of Engineering,
Food Technology, Botany, Microbiology, Industrial Chemistry, Computer Science,
Zoology, Agriculture and Physiotherapy.
SIWES is operated by the ITF, the coordinating agencies (NUC, NCCE, NBTE),
employers of labor and the institutions concerned (universities and
polytechnics).Funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Beneficiaries-Undergraduates students of the following: Agriculture, Engineering,
Technology, Environmental, Science, Education, Medical Science and Pure and Applied
Sciences.
Duration - Four months for polytechnics and Colleges of Education , and six
months for the Universities.

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 A SURVEY OF THE INSTITUTIONS PARTICIPATING IN SIWES
Universities 59
Polytechnics 85
Colleges of Education 62
Total 206

This survey was carried out year 2008.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

The specific objectives of SIWES were summarized by the Federal Government in the
gazette of April 1978 as follows:
 To provide students with an opportunity of bridging the gap between theory and
practical.
 Provide an avenue for students in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions to acquire industrial
skills and experience in their course of study.
 To expose student to working methods and technique in handling of equipment that
may not be available in their institution.
 To make transitioning from the college to the world of work easier and thus
enhance student contact for later job placement.
 To provide avenue for students to acquire Industrial skill and experience in their
various courses.
 Enlist and strengthen employer’s involvement in the entire educational process of
preparing college graduates for employment in industry.

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CHAPTER TWO
DESCRIPTION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ATTACHMENT

2.1 LOCATION AND BRIEF HISTORY OF ESTABLISHMENT

Shammah Christian was first registered and opened for full medical practice at Aba in Abia State,
South East of Nigeria, on August 28th 1994. As of today they are one of the recognized Primary
Health Care givers of choice in the health care service industry in and around their locality. As a
result of growth and other progressive factors, they extended their selves to Port Harcourt in
2010 and operated from rented property. However, by the grace of God, they have now moved
into their ultra-modern complex well located at No. 11xy Road 5, Federal Housing Estate, Woji
almost opposite the Divisional Police Headquarters, Woji in Obio-Akpor Local Government of
Rivers State. They run 24 hours full health care services, adequately manned by highly trained
and qualified health care providers with professional medical equipment and technology. Their
focus is on patients and family Holistic Health Care, for the restoration of the total man. Their
operating environment is safe, well secured and of high sanitary standard with courteous,
compassionate healthy and competent work force well-disposed to serve patients.

2.2 OBJECTIVES OF ESTABLISHMENT

Shammah Christian Hospital is a registered comprehensive medical diagnosis center that
offers diagnostics services in the following areas.
 Surgery
 Medicine
 Pediatrics
 Obstetric
 Laboratory Services
 Fertility Services
 Imaging (Ultra-Sound Services & X-ray)
 Ophthalmology
 Maxillo Facial (Dental Clinic)

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2.4 VARIOUS DEPARTMENT OF THE LABORATORY:
In Shammah Christian Hospital Laboratory, where I underwent my SIWES program, we have the
following sections: Reception, Serology, Parasitology, Hematology and Microbiology section.
(1) RECEPTIONIST /COLLECTION SECTION: This is the unit where patients are received and
attended to regarding to the investigation written on their laboratory request forms by the doctor.
Activities such as collection of clinical specimens and issuing of laboratory result forms are carried out
in this section.

(2) SEROLOGY SECTION: This section is concerned with the laboratory investigation which
involved the formation of immune complex (agglutination) from antigen and antigen and antibody
reaction in the blood (serum). Clinical tests carried out in this section include Widal tests, Hepatitis B
surface Antigen (HBsAq) and Veneral Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) TESTS. This is when
blood, especially serum which is used.

(3) PARASITOLOGY SECTION: This is the unit where clinical specimens are analyzed in search for
parasitic organisms. The clinical specimens analyzed include stool, urine analysis.

(4) HEMATOLOGY: This section is concerned with Hemoglobin (blood penalty test), FBC, malaria
test, HB-genotype, ABO groups.

(5) CHEMISTRY SECTION: This section is concerned with cholesterol, FBS and RBS,

(6) MICROBIOLOGY: Deals with urine, stool, HVS (urine Swab), urethral, P.T (Pregnancy tests),
Sensitivity test etc.

CHAPTER 3:- Experience Gained During the Programme

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3.1 Description of work done:

In Shammah Christian Hospital Laboratory, where I underwent my SIWES program, we

have the following sections:
Reception, Chemical Pathology, Hematology, Microbiology laboratory.

3.1.1 AT THE RECEPTION

The receptionist on seat, collects samples from patients waiting to be transferred to the
laboratory, put bills on the patients cards depending on the kind of tests to be done,
register the patients cards and then also register results before they are given out to
patient, they also give out universal, anticoagulant bottles to patient and give them
necessary instructions on how to collect into the bottles that is being given to them. Some
of the laboratory materials are stored in the reception. Listed below are a few steps to
follow when dispatching microbiological specimens:
1. Keep a register of all specimens dispatched. Record the name, number, and
ward of the patient, type of specimen, investigation required, date of dispatch,
and the method of sending the specimen. When the report is received back from
the microbiology laboratory, record the date of the receipt in the register.
2. Check the specimen container is free from cracks, and the cap is leak-proof.
3. Use sufficient packaging material to protect a specimen especially when the
container is a glass tube. When the specimen is fluid use sufficient
absorbent material to absorb it should a leakage or breakage occur.
4. Mark all specimens that may contain highly infectious organisms.

3.1.2 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY

In this laboratory the following tests are carried
out

 Urine Analysis, MCS

 Malaria Parasite Test
 Stool microscopy
 Semen Analysis

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  URINE ANALYSIS, MCS
URINE BENCH
Pathogens that could be found
Bacteria
 Gram positive: Staphylococcus, Haemolytic Streptococci
 Gram negative: Escherichia coli, Proteus species, Pseudomonas, Aeruginosa,
Klebsiella strains, Salmonella typhi, Neisseria gonorrheae
The following activities are carried out on the urine bench:
Urine macroscopy i.e. Appearance which includes the color, turbidity etc. The
microscopy to check out for possible parasite. Then culture of urine samples.
URINE MACROSCOPY AND MICROSCOPY
Some other urine parasites include Wucheraria brancoftii, Onchocerca etc.
Collection of urine
Urine is collected in clean universal bottles. The mid part of the first early morning
sample is preferred.
MACROSCOPIC EXAMINATION
Appearance: the normal urine color should be either amber or yellow. Other colors could
be red brown black or white.
Turbidity: it could be slightly turbid, turbid or
clear. MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION
Note: You culture before you spin the urine samples in the centrifuge to
avoid contamination the samples.
The urine samples are poured inside test tubes and labeled with the laboratory number of
the patient. It is then arranged inside the centrifuge and allowed to spin for 10minutes,
so as to separate the urine into layers.
The supernatant part of the spinned urine is then disposed off into a container containing
a disinfectant and then the sediment is placed on the glass slide. The sediment of urine
sample on the slide is covered with a cover slip and then examined under the
microscope. The following could be seen under the microscope: bacteria cells, epithelial
cells, cellular casts, red blood cells and white blood cells.

HOW TO CULTURE URINE

Culture on Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficiency Agar (C.L.E.D) and MacConkey

10
agar (both are differential agar) which differentiate between lactose and non-lactose
fermenting organisms. C.L.E.D does not allow swarming of Proteus.
A sterile wire loop is used to culture
urine. PROCEDURE-
Dip a wire loop inside the universal tube containing the urine (open the cork of the tube
with the side of your palm and keep holding the cover while you dip the wire loop into
the urine) and then inoculate your plate. The inoculation is done by introducing urine
into the plate and making a smear, from the inoculums a primary and secondary
streaking is made.
To make the primary streaking, spread from the inoculums at angle 90 and the secondary
streaking is done by spreading from the primary streaking. Then incubate overnight -that
is putting inoculated plate in the incubator at 350C for 18-24 hours. The plate can then be
read the next day. On CLED, the lactose and non-lactose fermenting organisms are
checked and then confirmed on MacConkey agar.
For lactose fermenting organisms, the colonial appearance is recorded and then the gram
staining is done. If it is gram negative, the organism present could either be Klebsiella or
Escherichia coli. Biochemical test can then be done by inoculating citrate, urea and
peptone water. The peptone water is used for sensitivity test on nutrient agar (DST); the
plate is then incubated at 370C and also the urea and citrate for 12-18 hours (overnight).
Klebsiella is evident if citrate is positive or urea is positive.
Citrate is positive when it is blue in color whereas urea is negative when it is yellow and
positive when it is red. Citrate is negative and urea is negative when Escherichia coli is
evident.
FOR NON-LACTOSE FERMENTERS, oxidase test is done. Positive oxidase test
shows evidence of Pseudomonas species in urine while negative oxidase test shows
evidence of Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Vibrio cholerae. Biochemical test is then
done for these organisms.

 MALARIA PARASITE TEST

Some parasites that could be detected in the blood are: Plasmodia, Trypanosomes,
Leishmania, filarial worms.
SPECIMEN- A one meter in blood diameter of the blood film of the patient.
Specific identification of parasites requires a permanent stain. For permanent staining,

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two types of blood films can be prepared. Thick films allow a larger volume of blood to
be examined, thus making it easier to detect light infections with fewer parasites, while
species identification is difficult. Thin films are necessary to see the morphological
characteristics of the parasites and to identify them.
PROCEDURES
PRECAUTION: It is necessary for one to be very careful while collecting and preparing
blood samples. A number of parasitological, bacterial and viral diseases can be
transmitted through blood. Blood film should be prepared preferably within one hour of
collection.
The time of collection should be mentioned on the specimen as well as on the result sheet
and also the laboratory number for correlation.
It is preferable to prepare blood films with fresh blood without anticoagulant. If it is not
possible, blood pant coagulated with EDTA (10mg/5ml) should be used.
Step1
An absolutely clean, grease-free slide, well-washed slide cleaned with 70% ethanol is
recommended (at Standard Medical Diagnostics Laboratory new slides are used). The
slide is labeled with the patient’s laboratory number.
Step 2
Swab the top of the patient’s third finger or thumb with cotton wool soaked with
ethylated spirit to disinfect and clean the possible microorganisms present on the surface
of the skin.
Step 3
Prick the point cleaned with a sterilized lancet and discard immediately.
Step 4
Apply pressure on the lower side of the top with your own hand so the blood would be
able to come out in few trickles as a drop or two will be placed on either sides of the
slide since the laboratory number labeled on the slide will be in the middle.
Step 5
You prepare a thick blood film for the malaria parasite test. To make a thick blood film,
place two or three small drops of fresh blood without anticoagulant on a clean slide with
a sterilized end of another slide. Mix the drops in a circular motion over an area about
two centimeters in diameter, (continue mixing for about thirty seconds to prevent
formation of fibrin strands that may obscure the parasites after staining, if anti-
coagulated blood is used, it is not necessary to continue mixing for thirty seconds).
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Step 6
Allow the film to dry in air at room temperature on a dryer (hotplate) to fix the film.
Step 7
After drying, the slide is placed directly into an aqueous stain called Giemsa stain to
make the thick blood film to lyses the red blood cells and to remove hemoglobin so that
the parasites can be easily detected
GIEMSA STAINING TECHNIQUE
Giemsa stain is a Romanaosky that requires dilution in buffered water or buffered saline
before use.
Giemsa stain (stock solution)
Giemsa stain powder 0.6g
Methanol, absolute (acetone-free) 50ml
Glycerol 50ml
Dissolve the Giemsa stain in methanol in a brown bottle containing a few glass beads.
Add glycerol, mix and place the bottle in a water bath at 50-60 degree centigrade for two
hours to dissolve the stain. Shake gently at half-hour intervals. The stain should stand at
room temperature for three weeks and should be filtered before use. If kept air-tight, the
stain is stable for several months.

Preparing a working solution of Giemsa stain

For thick films the commercial stock solution is diluted with the ratio 1:50 with a neutral
or slightly alkaline buffer (7.0 to 7.2) e .g phosphate or tap water if the pH is
satisfactory. TECHNIQUE USED
The labeled slide with the blood film on either end of it is directly stained in diluted
Giemsa stain for like 15 minutes.
It is then brought out and rinsed properly with tap water, gently flushing the stain off the
slide with water.
Dip the slide briefly in the buffer or rinse under gently running tap water.
 Wipe the under surface of the slide to remove excess stain.
 Allow it to air-dry in a vertical position.
 View under the light microscope with the oil immersion lens.
 A drop of oil is placed on each dried, stained and fixed blood film and
then viewed for malarial parasites.

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TROPHOZOITE OF MALARIAL PARASITE AS VIEWED UNDER THE LIGHT
MICROSCOPE.
Trophozoite is the growing form of the parasite in the peripheral blood of man after the
invasion of the red blood cells by merozites. When the mature schizonts rupture the
merozites penetrate the red blood cells and develop into trophozoites.
Immature trophozoites are concave disc appearing as ring forms in stained preparation. It
consists of;
 A rod-shaped nucleus (chromatin dot) stained red.
 A peripheral rim of cytoplasm that stains blue and
 An unstained clear area or vacuole in the centre that pushes the
chromatin dot to the periphery of the cytoplasm.
 Three stages of the asexual life cycle occur in man, namely the
trophozoites, schizont and the gametocytes.
The parasites reside in the peripheral red blood cells. Each species is identified on two
basic parameters.
Appearance of the infected red blood cells.
Appearance of the parasite.

Results: Malaria Parasite

Chromatin of parasite: Dark red
Cytoplasm of parasite: Blue
Schuffner’s clots: Red
Maurer’s dots: Red-mauve

 STOOL MICROSCOPY
Three protozoan parasites which may be found in human stool are:
- Rhizopodea (amoebae) e.g. Entamoeba histolytica
- Zoomastigophora (flagellates) e.g. Giarelia Intesinalis
- Ciliatea (ciliates) e.g. Balantidium coli
EXAMININATION OF FAECES
It is viewed under light microscope at x10 and x40
First you view macroscopically for the following: Form, color, Smell, consistency,
presence of blood, and mucus, nematode, tapeworm, and segments.

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When viewed under the microscope in normal saline
 You place a drop of normal saline on a thin slide with the pipette in the
normal saline bottle.
 Pick a tiny bit of the stool sample and make a smear in the normal saline with it.
 View under the light microscope for cellular exudates such as helminthes
egg, protozoa cyst, and actual larva of nematode worms.
 When viewed under the microscope in iodine it is the same process as listed in
the first two steps above, just use iodine in this case and not normal saline.
When viewed under the light microscope, stained protozoa cysts are more visible. Other
things that could be seen under the microscope are: fat globules, undigested starch,
vegetable cells, and air bubbles. Cysts can be concentrated by the formal ether technique
or by a simple floatation in concentrated zinc sulphate

 SEMEN ANALYSIS
Semen Analysis with Microscopy
This involves the analysis of semen by culturing and performing sensitivity test.
Part A
(i) Physical examination
 Volume: 1ml, 2ml and above
 Viscosity: Watery or Normal
 Appearance: creamy, whitish or Creamy – whitish
(ii) Microscopy
 Motility
 High power
 Normal
 Abnormal
N.B. The best sperm count is about 90x106 total counts but normal count is 45 x
106, but when the total count is 25 x 106 the diagnosis could be infertility.
(i) After the examination in part A, sterilize inoculating loop by flaming, culture the
semen sample on MacConkey and Chocolate agar.
NOTE* to always culture on chocolate agar you cut the agar in the middle and
throwing of this cut part into the waste to prevent organisms from swarming in the
agar.
(ii) Incubate for 24 hours
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 (iii) Examine the colony if there is growth, gram stain, set up biochemical tests
(iv) Inoculate peptone water for flooding of DST (sensitivity test using the
right Antibiotic disc).
HOW TO CARRY OUT SENSITIVITY TEST:
Flood the nutrient agar with inoculated peptone water, place the antibiotic disc on the
flooded plate and incubate overnight for 12-18 hours. At the end of the stipulated
time any antibiotic surrounded by a region where no microorganism grew can proof
useful against the microorganism discovered present.
Procedures for gram stain
(i) Crystal violet solution
(ii) Iodine solution (functions as a mordant)
(iii) Acetone (decolorizes)
(iv) Safranin (counter
stain) Procedure
1. Prepare a heat fixed smear from a 18-24 hour old culture
2. Stain with crystal violet solution for 1 – 2 minutes and rinse off the solution.
3. Rinse off with iodine solution for 1 minute
4. Rinse off the iodine solution and wash the slide with acetone until the
crystal violet dye no longer runs from the slide and this will last only 5-15
seconds.
5. Rinse under gentle – running tap, and counter stain with safranin for
30 seconds.
6. Wash with water, blot dry and examine under
microscope.
Observation
1 Gram-positive cell appear purple, or crystal violet iodine complex
2 Gram negative cells are red or pink
Note* Cells could be either bacilli or
cocci.

3.1.3 HAEMATOLOGY LABORATORY

In this laboratory, the following tests are carried out
 Blood Group
 Pregnancy Test
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  Widal Agglutination Reaction
 Packed Cell Volume
 Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) Screening

 BLOOD GROUP TEST

Analysis
A needle is inserted into the vein and blood into a tube. During the procedure, the elastic
band used is reserved to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the
needle is removed and a band aid or gauze is applied.

Procedures
 Venous blood is collected into EDTA sample bottle
 Antiserum A, B, and D were placed on the white tile separately in three spots
 Three separate drops of blood were dropped unto each of the spots
 Each spot was then mixed together with the tip of a clean glass slide or
an inverted rubber pipette
 The tile was rocked for three minutes to view agglutination

Results

 If there is agglutination on the spot where antiserum A and D was dropped, it means the
patient is A RhD Positive, but if there was only agglutination on the spot of antiserum
A, it signify A RhD Negative.
 If there is agglutination on the spot where antiserum B and D was dropped, it means the
patient is B RhD Positive, but if there was only agglutination on the spot of antiserum
B, it signify B RhD Negative.
 If there is agglutination on the spot where antiserum D was dropped, it means the
patient is O RhD Positive, but if there was no agglutination on all spot of antiserum, it
signify O RhD Negative.
 If there is agglutination on the spot where antiserum A, B and D was dropped, it means
the patient is AB RhD Positive, but if there was only agglutination on the spot of
antiserum A and B, it signify AB RhD Negative.

 PREGNANCY TEST
PRECAUTION
It is necessary for one to be very careful while collecting and preparing blood samples. A
number of parasitological, bacterial and viral diseases can be transmitted through blood..
17
 The time of collection should be mentioned on the specimen as well as on the result sheet
and also the laboratory number for correlation.
STEPS INVOLVED
1. Select a sterile, dry plastic syringe of the capacity required, e.g. 2.5ml,5ml or 10ml
2. Apply a soft tubing tourniquet or Velcro arm bound to the upper arm of the patient
3. Using the index finger feel for a suitable vein, selecting a sufficiently large
straight vein that does not roll and with a direction that can be felt.
5. Cleanse the puncture site with 70% ethanol and allow drying.
6. When sufficient blood has been collected, release the tourniquet and instruct
the patient to open his or her fist.
7. Centrifuge for 3-5 minutes (RCF 12000-15000xg), using the shorter time when
the RCF is 15,000xg
8. Immediately after centrifuging, first check that there has been no leakage of
blood from the bottle or breakage.
9. Pregnancy Test is therefore carried out by inserting a pregnancy strip in the
bottle containing blood.
RESULTS
The strip shows whether the patient is pregnant or not if
 Positive (double line): the patient is pregnant
 Negative (single line): the patient is not pregnant
 Invalid: No visible band at all. The test is repeated

 WIDAL AGGLUTINATION REACTION

Materials: Widal kit, white tile, pipette, test tube, centrifuge, stop watch, blood sample
Procedure
 Venous blood is collected into sample bottle and spun at 3000rpm for 5 minutes
 The serum is taken with the aid of a pipette and put on white tile in different spots
of 4 per row making two rows
 First row is labeled O, OA, OB, OC and the second row H, HA, HB,
HC respectively.
 Antiserum from the widal kit for each spot are released on top of the pipette
blood.
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  The tile is then rocked for 3 minutes

Results
Expected results ratio:
 Highly reactive............1:320(positive)
 Very reactive...............1:160(positive)
 Weak reaction.............1:80(positive)
 Non Significant………1:40(negative)
 Non Significant………1:20(negative)

 PACKED CELL VOLUME

Value of Test:
The packed cell volume also called haematocrit, is used to calculate the mean cell
haemaglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean cell volume (MCV). These red cell
indices are used in the investigation of anaemia. The PCV is also used to screen for
anaemia when it is not possible to measure haemaglobin, and to diagnose polychaemia
vera and to monitor its treatment. It is suitable for screening large clinic populations’ e.g.
antenatal clinics.
Specimen:
To measure the PCV, either well mixed well oxygenated EDTA anti coagulated blood
can be used or capillary blood collected into a heparinzed capillary.
Equipment:
Microhaematocrit reader, centrifuge, needle, syringe, capillary tube.
Test Method
1 .About three quarters fills either
 a plain capillary with well mixed EDTA anticoagulated blood (tested within
4 hours of collection), or
 a heparinised capillary with capillary tube
2. Seal the unfilled end, preferably using a sealant material. If unavailable, heats seal the
capillary using a small flame from a sprint or a pilot flame of a bursen burner, rotating
the end of a capillary in the flame.
3. Carefully locate the capillary in one of the numbered slots of the microhaematocrit
rotor with the sealed end against the rim gasket (to prevent breakage). Write the
number on the patient form.

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4. Centrifuge for 3-5 minutes (RCF 12000-15000xg), using the shorter time when
the RCF is 15,000xg
5. Immediately after centrifuging, read the PCV. First check that there has been no
leakage of blood from the capillary or breakage. To read the PCV in a hand held, align
the base of the red cell column on the 0 line and the top of the plasma column on the
100line.Read off the PCV from scale. The reading point is the top of the red cell
column, just below the buffy coat layer (consisting of WBCs and platelets).

Results
Above the packed red cells is a white layer of platelets. Plasma is usually straw colored,
but if bright yellow; it is jaundiced, when colorless; it is iron deficient, when red;
hemolysis has occurred
The normal PCV range for male is 39% - 53%.
The normal PCV range for female is 35% -49%.
Factors that affect PCV result
 Quality of capillary tube
 Time and speed of centrifugation
 Spectrum collection: quantity of anticoagulant

 HUMAN IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SCREENING

HIV tests are used to detect the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus in serum,
saliva, or urine. Such tests may detect HIV antibodies, antigens, or RNA.
Materials
Blood serum, Abort determines HIV-1 and HIV-2 test kit, and centrifuge
Procedure
 Venous blood is collected into EDTA sample bottle
 The blood is spun at 3000rpm for 10 minutes
 The strip is then immersed into blood serum with the narrow end pointing
towards the blood

 It must be immersed past the mark line. The strip is taken out after 3 seconds
and laid on a flat clean dry nonabsorbent surface.
 Water for colored band to appear
Results

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Readings should be taken within 10 minutes
 Positive: Distinct color band appear on the control and test regions. This
indicates the presence of HIV-1 and HIV-2
 Negative: Only one color band appears on the control region. No apparent
band on the test region. This indicates that the patient is HIV negative
 Invalid: No visible band at all. The test is repeated
3.1.4 CHEMICAL PATHOLOGY
The following tests are carried out in Chemical pathology laboratory
 Fasting Blood Sugar
 Random Blood Sugar
FASTING BLOOD SUGAR

The fluctuation of blood sugar (red) and the sugar-lowering hormone insulin (blue) in
humans during the course of a day with three meals. One of the effects of a sugar-rich
vs a starch-rich meal is highlighted.
The blood sugar concentration or blood glucose level is the amount of glucose (sugar)
present in the blood of a human or animal. Normally, in mammals the body maintains the
blood glucose level at a reference range between about 3.6 and 5.8 mM (mmol/L). It is
tightly regulated as a part of metabolic homeostasis.
Materials
Blood sample, glucomter
NOTE: Glucometer is an instrument used to measure the glucose (sugar) level of a
patient.
Procedure
 Blood is collected from the thumb of the patient
 The blood is made to drop at the tip end of the glucometer and then left for
few minutes(about 3-5minutes)
 The reading is then taken and written down
Results
The normal range is 70-100mg/dL. If the result from the reading is very much less than
70mg/dL, the patient is said to be hypoglycemic and needs sugar transmission, if the
result is far higher than 100mg/dL the patient is said to be hyperglycemic and needs
insulin transfusion.
RANDOM BLOOD SUGAR
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This test is similar to fasting blood sugar, the difference being that the test can be carried
out anytime on a patient (that is, whether the patient has or has not eaten is irrelevant) and
it is useful in the case of emergency.
Materials
Blood sample, glucometer
Procedure
 Blood is collected from the thumb of the patient
 The blood is made to drop at the tip end of the glucometer and then left for
few minutes (about 3-5minutes)
 The reading is then taken and written down.
Results
The normal range is 100-180mg/dL. If the result from the reading is very much less than
70mg/dL, the patient is said to be hypoglycemic and needs sugar transmission, if the
result is far higher than 100mg/dL the patient is said to be hyperglycemic and needs
insulin transfusion.

3.1.5 EXPERIENCE GAINED

 I learnt almost all the practical aspects involved in medical microbiology and also
microbiology in general.

 I got to know about and learnt the use of the laboratory equipment.

 I learnt to obey all laboratory rules for my safety and that of the patients.

 I learnt to relate properly with other co-workers.

3.2 SAFE WORKING PRACTICES IN A MEDICAL LABORATORY

The following are some of the important points which apply when working with
infectious materials:
1. Never mouth-pipette. Use safe measuring and dispensing devices.
2. Do not eat, drink, smoke, store food, or apply cosmetics in the working area
of the laboratory.
3. Use an aseptic technique when handling specimens and cultures.
4. Always wash your hands after handling an infectious material in the
laboratory, when leaving the laboratory and before attending to

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 patients. Cover any open wound with a water proof dressing.
5. Wear appropriate protective clothing when working in the laboratory.
Ensure it is decontaminated and laundered correctly.
6. Wear protective gloves and when indicated a face mask, for all procedures
involving direct contact with infectious materials. When wearing gloves,
the hands should be washed with the gloves on, particularly before doing
ant clerical work.
7. Centrifuge safely to avoid creating aerosols. Know what to do should
a breakage occur when centrifuging.
8. Avoid practices which could result in needle stick injury.
9. Do not use chipped or cracked glassware and always deal with a
breakage immediately and safely.
10. Avoid spillages by using racks to hold containers, work neatly and keep
the bench surface free of any unnecessary materials.
11. Decontaminate working surfaces at the end of each day’s work and following
any spillage of any infectious fluid.
12. Report to the laboratory officer in charge, any spillage or other
accident involving exposure to infectious material.
13. Know how to decontaminate specimens and other infectious materials.
14. Use and control an autoclave correctly.
15. Dispose laboratory waste safely.

CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 GENERAL LABORATORY EQUIPMENTS

THE LIGHT MICROSCOPE

The microscope employs a hollow, extremely intense cone of light concentrated on the
specimen. The field of view of the objective lens lies in the hollow, dark portion of the
cone and picks up only scattered light from the object. The clear portions of the specimen
appear as a dark background, and the minute objects under study glow brightly against
the dark field. This form of illumination is useful for transparent, unstained biological
material and for minute objects that cannot be seen in normal illumination under the
microscope.
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AUTOCLAVE

The autoclave is effective equipment used for steam sterilization at pressures above the
atmospheric pressure. Thus, it is possible to steam at higher temperature then the boiling
point, which a lot of microorganisms cannot withstand. Autoclaving is the most effective
method for sterilizing culture media. When sterilizing culture media with autoclave, we
do so at 1.05Kg per square centimeter for 15 minutes to eliminate contaminations.
REFRIGERATOR

This is used to preserve samples, reagents etc, which are used for daily analysis and
cannot be exhausted at once. The refrigerator helps provide optimum environment for
materials to be preserved.
INCUBATOR

The incubator is mainly used to incubate culture media as microbes have different
optimum temperatures for growth and reproduction. The temperature of an incubator can
be set to the preferred temperatures.

WATER BATH

This is required to incubate bottle of culture media, liquids in flasks or other large
Containers, and when incubating samples in the test tube racks.
WEIGHING BALANCE

This is a delicate instrument used for weighing essential, reagent, stains and culture
media that requires adequate weighing.

WIRE LOOP

Made up of a thick metallic lower part and a straight thin upper metallic part curved into a
small circle usually made up of platinum. Wire loop is used generally for inoculating samples
and picking colonies sterilized by flaming red hot before, during and after use. It is always
better to use the sides of the loop rather than the apex during inoculation.
GLASS SLIDES

Used for preparation of slides for microscopy. Sterilization is by flooding with alcohol and
flaming off excess alcohol.
COVER SLIPS

This is use for covering wet smears of preparations. It is sterilized by flooding with alcohol
and flaming off excess alcohol.
PETRI DISH

Used for the preparation of culture media. It is usually bought sterilized. The disposable type

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 cannot used a second time while the glass ware type can be reused be usually sterilized by
autoclaving.
FORCEPS

A pair of forceps is a metallic object used for handing hot object or contaminated materials. It
is sterilized by flaming red hot.

Others include:
Other Laboratory equipment’s include includes sterilized slide, Giemsa Stain, needle,
syringe, ethanol, sterilized bottle, agar (MacConkey or Chocolate), Gram positive, Gram
negative sensitivity kit , cotton wool, EDTA, microscope, oil immersion, ethanol,
sterilized slides, swab sticks, cotton wool, spirit, giemsa stain, lancets, surgical blades, oil
immersion, pipette, light microscope, hot plate (dryer), centrifuge, hand gloves,
microhaematocrit centrifuge, capillary tubes for measuring PCV, sealant,
microhaematocrit reader, anaerobic jar, test tubes, bottles, water bath, weighing balance,
microscope, pipette, beakers, bio safety cabinet, cotton wool.

CHAPTER 5
5. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme is part of study which helps students and
provides them with necessary skills needed for industrial adaptation. It enhances student’s
behavior, knowledge and exposure. I have also benefitted from this scheme, during this six
months programme, I have been able to put into practice the theory part of my course.

5.1. SUMMARY OF ATTACHMENT ACTIVITIES

During my period at the Shammah Christian Hospital as a SIWES student, I catalogued some
information materials for the laboratory and I also did some activities at the reception such as:
attending to patients, confirming and examining their request forms, entering their details into
the register, detailing them concerning the test they are to undergo and directing them to where
is to be carried out.
I was later transferred to the laboratory and was introduced to the departments, safety
precautions and tests carried out in each department.

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 5.2 PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED DURING THE PROGRAMME
The main problems encountered were getting placement and transportation. It was quite
challenging for me that live in far place to get to the organization every working day, other
problems encountered during the training were attending to different people with different
personalities at the reception.

5.3 CONCLUSION
My 6 months industrial attachment with Shammah Christian Hospital was one of the most
interesting, productive, instructive and educative experience in my life. Through this training, I
have gained new insight and more comprehensive understanding about the real industrial
working condition and practice and also improved my soft and functional skills. All these
valuable experiences and knowledge that I have gained were not only acquired through the
direct involvement in task but also through other aspects of the training such as: work
observation, supervision, interaction with colleagues, supervisors, superior and other people
related to the field. It also exposed me to some certain things about medical environment. And
from what I have undergone, I am sure that the industrial training program has achieved its
primary objective.
5.4 SUGGESTION FOR IMPROVEMENT OF THE SCHEME
I recommend that all institutions or bodies involve in Student Industrial Working Experience
Scheme, should provide places for industrial attachment for Student Industrial Training Fund
and also pay some allowances to students and the company should provide more safety
equipment to prevent further environmental and health hazards.
Also, to students that are to undergo the training, I recommend that they should take it very
seriously, because it is one of the most important parts of their studies which will help them
build a very significant and effective meaning in their career pursuit.

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