CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Student industrial work experience scheme (SIWES)

The students industrial work experience scheme (SIWES) is a skills training

programme designed to expose and prepare students of Universities,

Polytechnics/Colleges of Technology/Colleges of Agriculture and Colleges of

Education for the industrial work situation they are likely to meet after graduation.

The scheme also affords students the opportunity of familiarizing and exposing

themselves to the needed experience in handling equipment and machinery that are

usually not available in their institutions. It is a cooperative industrial internship

program that involves institutions of higher learning, industries, the Federal

Government of Nigeria, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), and Nigerian Universities

Commission (NUC).

1.2 Objectives of SIWES

(i) Provide avenues for students to acquire industrial skills and experience during

their course of study.

(ii) Prepare students for industrial work situation they are likely to meet after

graduation.

(iii) Expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and

machineries that may not be available in the university;

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(iv) Provide students with the opportunities to apply their educational knowledge

in real work situations, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.

(v) To make the transition from the schooling to world of work easier through

enhancing students’ contact for later job placement.

1.3 Functions of SIWES coordinating unit

By the directive of National Universities Commission (NUC) and Industrial

Training Fund (ITF), the Unit is mandated to carry out the following functions.

(i) Identify placement opportunities for students’ attachment with Employers.

(ii) Supervision of the students placed in the industries located within our ITF

zone.

(iii) Processing of students’ logbooks, ITF forms and industrial attachment reports

upon which is based on the Federal Government funding of supervision and

students’ allowances.

(iv) Fostering of close links between the university and industries participating in

SIWES programme.

(v) Provision of advisory guidance to participating students on career employment

opportunities.

(vi) Monitoring of compliance with the requirements of SIWES on the part of

students in eligible disciplines as a condition for graduation.

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(vii) Facilitation of the disbursement of the students’ allowance to deserving

students through e-payment.

(vi) Apply job-specifications as prepared for all the accredited courses and award

appropriate credit units in accordance with Federal Government minimum

academic standard guidelines.

(viii) Organize orientation courses in collaboration with the ITF for their students.

CHAPTER TWO

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2.1 About the department of Biochemistry

Since its establishment in 1986, as a unit of the omnibus Department of Biological

Sciences in the School of Natural and Applied Sciences (SNAS), the Department

of Biochemistry has grown to become one of the finest in the continent.

Biochemistry is a scientific discipline that focuses on the chemical basis of life. It

explains life in chemical terms, life is a dynamic phenomenon that integrates a

gamut of chemical/biochemical reactions aimed at sustaining a continuous flow of

energy to cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. In biochemical terms, life is an

open system that allows the flow of metabolites in and out of the system in which

cyclical events are sustained in perpetuation of its existence.

Biochemistry has a sound influence on our understanding of Medicine, Health and

Nutrition. Results from biochemical studies have already led to molecular

understanding of diseases such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia, phenylketonuria,

cystic fibrosis, and hypercholesterolemia. The department of Biochemistry in

Federal University of Technology, Owerri focuses on all areas of biochemistry,

including industrial biochemistry to actually nurture and turn out high breed

biochemists.

CHAPTER THREE

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 Things I did at biochemistry laboratory

3.1 Blood group

The term “blood group” refers to the entire blood group system comprising red

blood cell (RBC) antigens whose specificity is controlled by a series of genes

which can be allelic or linked very closely on the same chromosome. “Blood type”

refers to a specific pattern of reaction to testing antisera within a given system.

Over a period of time, our understanding on blood groups has evolved to

encompass not only transfusion-related problems but also specific disease

association with RBC surface antigens. Karl Landsteiner has been credited for the

discovery of ABO blood group system in 1900. His extensive research on serology

based on simple but strong scientific reasoning led to identification of major blood

groups such as O, A, and B types, compatibility testing, and subsequent transfusion

practices. He was awarded Noble Prize in 1930 for this discovery. His obituary

lists an immense contribution of more than 346 publications.

3.2 Blood grouping and genotyping test

Introduction: Blood grouping of the A B O system is determined with Anti-A,

Anti-B, and Anti-D sera, which form agglutination complex with antibodies found

in the blood sample.

Aim: To determine the group and the rhesus of a patient’s blood

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Equipments/Materials: Clean free grease tile, Pasteur pipette, Whole blood sample

in an EDTA bottle, distilled water, applicator stick, test tube rack, electrophoresis

machine and tank, clean white tile, cotton wool, applicator stick, cellulose filter

paper, gloves.

Reagents: Anti-A, Anti-B, Anti-D sera, Buffer for balancing, normal saline

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3.3 Collection of blood

Materials: Syringe, Dry and Wet Swab, Tourniquet, Methylated Spirit, EDTA

bottle or any other bottle (depending on the test to carry out).

- Locate the vein on the arm for collection of blood.

- Tie the tourniquet above the portion.

- Tell the patient to fold his/her arm modern to add more pressure.

- Sterilize the portion with a wet swab and allow to dry.

- Uncap the needle on the syringe.

- Gently insert the bevel end of the needle into the vein and collect blood.

- Draw back the plunger and get the desired quantity of blood needed.

- Untie the tourniquet.

- Place a dry swab at the portion which blood is collected from.

- Gently remove the needle and cap.

- Detach the needle from the syringe.

- Dispose the cap into a disposing box.

- Gently pour the blood into a required bottle and mix thoroughly.

- Place it on a rack and take to Laboratory room.

3.4 Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is the application of tools of computation and analysis to the

capture and interpretation of biological data. Bioinformatics is essential for

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management of data in modern biology and medicine. The bioinformatics toolbox

includes computer software programs such as BLAST and Ensembl, which depend

on the availability of the internet. Analysis of genome sequence data, particularly

the analysis of the human genome project, is one of the main achievements of

bioinformatics to date. Prospects in the field of bioinformatics include its future

contribution to functional understanding of the human genome, leading to

enhanced discovery of drug targets and individualised therapy

 Image and signal processing allow extraction of useful results from large

amounts of raw data. In the field of genetics, it aids in sequencing and

annotating genomes and their observed mutations. It plays a role in the text

mining of biological literature and the development of biological and

gene ontologies to organize and query biological data. It also plays a role in

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 the analysis of gene and protein expression and regulation. Bioinformatics

tools aid in comparing, analyzing and interpreting genetic and genomic data

and more generally in the understanding of evolutionary aspects of

molecular biology. At a more integrative level, it helps analyze and

catalogue the biological pathways and networks that are an important part

of systems biology. In structural biology, it aids in the simulation and

modeling of DNA, RNA, proteins as well as biomolecular interactions.

3.5 Urine analysis

Urine culture test involves the inoculations of urine samples into a culture media so

as to isolate or identify pathogenic microbes. Urine culture is requiring if the urine

contain bacterial cell. This is usually done to identify and isolate the presence of

organism causing Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

NB: early morning urine is the best suited for microscopy, culture with

biochemical analysis and sensitivity that is because it is the most concentrated.

Possible bacteria to grow in urine culture include Streptococcus spp.,

Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli.

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3.5.1 Materials required

 Sterile universal container

 Urine sample

 Wire loop

 Culture media (CLED or chocolate agar)

 Bunsen burner

 Incubator

3.5.2 Procedure

1. Close all open doors and windows so as to avoid contaminating the

environment.

2. Do not talk or eat while carrying out these procedure

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 3. Light the bunsen burner and sterilize the wire loop till red hot, wave in the

air to cool. Note: very hot wire loop immersed into the urine sample will kill

the bacteria and alter the result

4. Harmonize the urine sample by inverting severally to remix the settled

sediments with the supernatant.

5. Dip the sterilized wire loop into the urine sample container so as to collect a

portion of the urine sample.

6. Inoculate the urine sample collected with the wire loop into the culture

media by streaking. The media used is CLED or chocolate agar

7. Reflame the wire loop till red hot for sterilization

8. Place the Petri dish in the incubator to incubate aerobically for 24 hours at

37OC. Make sure to invert the Petri dish.

9. Check for growth after 24 hours of incubation.

10.Identify the microbial growth on the plate. After 24 hours of incubation,

there may be growth of Escherichia coli, Proteus sp., Pseudomonas

aeruginosa, Klebsiella sp., Staphylococcus aureus or Enterococcus sp.

11.If any is identified, biochemical test is carried out as a confirmatory result

3.6 Urine microscopy

Urine microscopy involves the use of microscope to evaluate compositions

of sample which cannot be seen with the naked eye.

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3.6.1 Procedure

1. Pour 5ml of the urine sample into a test tube making sure to harmonize it.

2. Centrifuge the urine by spinning for about 5 minutes

3. Pour off the supernatant leaving the sediment

4. Using a clean sterile pipette, place a drop or two of the urine sample on a

clean grease free slide, cover with a cover slip and place on the microscope

stage for viewing using X10 and X40 objective lens.

3.7 Reason for Urine analysis

 To check your overall health. A urinalysis might be part of a routine

medical exam, pregnancy checkup or pre-surgery preparation. Or it might be

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 used to screen for a variety of disorders, such as diabetes, kidney disease or

liver disease, when you're admitted to a hospital.

 To diagnose a medical condition. A urinalysis might be requested if you

have abdominal pain, back pain, frequent or painful urination, blood in your

urine, or other urinary problems. A urinalysis can help diagnose the cause of

these signs and symptoms.

 To monitor a medical condition. If you've been diagnosed with a medical

condition, such as kidney disease or a urinary tract infection, your doctor

might recommend testing your urine regularly to monitor your condition and

treatment.

3.8 Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol

to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart

disease.

With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels.

Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow

through your arteries. Sometimes, those deposits can break suddenly and form a

clot that causes a heart attack or stroke.

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High cholesterol can be inherited, but it's often the result of unhealthy lifestyle

choices, which make it preventable and treatable. A healthy diet, regular exercise

and sometimes medication can help reduce high cholesterol.

14
3.9 The Cholesterol Test Procedure

Taking a Cholesterol Test

Cholesterol testing is performed on a sample of your blood. If your blood is going

to be analyzed in a lab, the sample is normally drawn from a vein in your arm. In

point-of-care and at-home tests, a drop of blood is taken from your fingertip.

Before the test

In many cases, it is important to fast for nine to 12 hours before a cholesterol test,

which means avoiding all food and all beverages other than water.

If your total cholesterol is being measured as part of a lipid panel, fasting prior to

the test ensures the validity of the results. If the laboratory is only going to measure

your total cholesterol and HDL, fasting may not be necessary.

Because the need to fast depends on the exact type of cholesterol test you take, it is

essential to talk with your doctor’s office beforehand so that you know all of the

pretest instructions to follow.

During the test

For laboratory tests, a needle is used to take a sample of blood from a vein in your

arm. An elastic band known as a tourniquet is tied around the upper part of your

arm so that there is more blood in the vein. To prevent infection, your skin will be

cleaned with an antiseptic in the area where your blood will be drawn.

15
There may be slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted. After that, it

usually takes less than a minute for enough blood to be drawn.

Point-of-care and at-home tests get a blood sample from a fingerstick. This is a

small puncture on your fingertip that produces a drop of blood but generally causes

little pain.

After the test

Once blood has been drawn from your vein, bleeding is stopped with a cotton swab

and/or an adhesive bandage. You may need to keep pressure on the puncture site

for an hour or more to prevent bleeding and allow it to heal quickly.

These types of blood draws are routine. They are an outpatient procedure, so you

can drive or go to work or school afterward. You may need to avoid sports or

intense activity for a few hours. If you were told to fast before testing, it may be

helpful to bring a light snack to eat once the test is complete.

Tests that use a fingerstick do not usually have any post-test restrictions. An

adhesive bandage can be used if bleeding continues after you’ve taken the blood

sample.

3.10 Cholesterol Test Results

Receiving test results

If your cholesterol is being analyzed by a laboratory after a needle blood draw, you

can expect to receive results within a few days. The doctor’s office may contact

16
you with results or schedule an appointment to review them. You may also receive

results through an online health portal or in the mail.

For point-of-care tests or at-home test kits with a device for analyzing cholesterol,

results are available within minutes.

Interpreting test results

Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).

General reference ranges for total cholesterol are listed below:

Normal: under 200 mg/dL

Borderline high: 200-239 mg/dL

High: 240 mg/dL and above

Remember that total cholesterol alone does not offer a complete picture of your

risk for cardiovascular problems. The amounts of good (HDL) and bad (LDL)

cholesterol are important to consider, which is why these are evaluated as part of a

complete lipid panel.

Cholesterol test results are also not the only factor determining your heart health.

Your age, family history, and health habits are elements that affect your

cardiovascular disease risk. Using a risk calculator, your doctor may analyze your

test scores alongside these other factors.

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3.11 Blood Glucose

Glucose testing is primarily done to diagnose or manage type 1 diabetes, type 2

diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that causes your blood

glucose levels to rise. The amount of sugar in your blood is usually controlled by a

hormone called insulin. But if you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make

enough insulin or the insulin produced doesn’t work properly. This causes sugar to

build up in your blood. If left untreated, chronically elevated levels of blood sugar

can lead to other serious conditions including kidney disease, blindness, and heart

disease.

In some cases, blood glucose testing may also be used to test for hypoglycemia.

This condition occurs when the levels of glucose in your blood are too low, usually

lower than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Hypoglycemia can occur in people

with diabetes if they take too much of their medication, like insulin, exercise more

than usual, or skip a meal. Less commonly, hypoglycemia can be caused by other

underlying conditions or medications. Doctors consider very low blood sugar to be

a medical emergency, as it can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.

3.12 Preparation of Blood glucose test

Blood sugar testing requires the use of a blood sugar meter. The meter measures

the amount of sugar in a small sample of blood, usually from your fingertip, that

18
you place on a disposable test strip. Even if you use a CGM, you'll still need a

blood sugar meter to calibrate your CGM device daily.

Your health care provider or certified diabetes care and education specialist can

recommend an appropriate device for you. He or she can also help you learn how

to use your meter.

Follow the instructions that come with your blood sugar meter. In general, here's

how the process works:

1. Wash and dry your hands well. (Food and other substances can give you an

inaccurate reading.)

2. Insert a test strip into your meter.

3. Prick the side of your fingertip with the needle (lancet) provided with your

test kit.

4. Touch and hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood.

5. The meter will display your blood sugar level on a screen after a few

seconds.

Some meters can test blood taken from an alternate site, such as the forearm or

palm. But these readings may not be as accurate as readings from the fingertips,

especially after a meal or during exercise, when blood sugar levels change more

frequently. Alternate sites aren't recommended for use in calibrating CGMs.

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 Chapter four

4.1 Relevance of SIWES program

SIWES as a skill acquisition programme have many objectives and relevance to

students of Biochemistry which when properly coordinated the quest for the

needed experts in Nigeria could be achieved. Such objectives and relevance

includes the following:-

- It provides students with the opportunity of applying their theoretical knowledge in

real work situation thereby bridging the gap between university work and actual

practice.

- Provision of avenue for students in Nigeria Universities to acquire individual skills

and experience.

- Exposes students to look, methods and techniques in handling equipments in

university Laboratory.

For instance, in Chemical Biochemistry section, knowledge of some biochemical

tests are employed in performing some analysis such as sugar level, test in

detecting disorder of carbohydrate metabolism like diabetes mellitus and

hypoglycemia in a blood.

- It also exposes students to several moral and social lives thereby making the

transition from university to the real work (labour Market).

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 4.2 problems encountered

At the course of the Industrial Training, some problems encountered which are:-

- RESTRICTION TO SOME ANALYSIS

Due to high cost of equipments and insufficient instruments (such as electrolyte

analyzer, electrophoretic machine etc) was restricted for industrial training students

(more especially myself).

- HIGH COST OF INSUFFICIENT LABORATORY EQUIPMENTS.

Lack of laboratory equipments used to perform some analysis deprived students an

opportunity of handling and performing analysis with such equipments and this

insufficiency was due to high cost of those equipments.

- INSUFFICIENT TIME

Due to short period of time according to this SIWES programme, sufficient and

comprehensive knowledge were not enough acquired regards to as some areas like

chemical biochemistry in the laboratory.

- LACK OF ALLOWANCE:-

The inability of giving an enough allowance to students by the industry makes it

difficult for students to coup with high cost of living in the society thereby causing

psychological inefficiency.

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4.3 Conclusion

My one week industrial attachment with biochemistry laboratory has been 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 programme has achieved its primary objective.

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