Essential Laboratory Techniques

April 9, 2016

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In any Laboratory setting, safety is of utmost importance. Basic Safety rules must then be known by lab technicians so as to direct any person within the lab on how to handle themselves as well as equipment among other things. Lab technicians therefore from time to time undergo training to refresh their knowledge and skills on basic laboratory techniques. One such training took place at Somaliland Central Veterinary Laboratory on 9th April 2016 to 14th April 2016. The training focused on strengthening capacities of Laboratory staffs on lab safety, security, and responsible handling and preparing samples as well as reporting of the results professionally. In addition to this the training aimed at Promoting the responsible use of biological, chemical agents and equipment, Improving understanding, and management of the risks associated with accidental and deliberate misuse of biological and chemical agents as well as Understanding the importance of laboratory safety and disinfecting working area of the lab periodically. The participants of this training funded by Reinforcing Animal Health Services Project (RAHSP) included seven laboratory staff that represented the Somaliland central lab staff. One of the facilitators was Muse Mohammed one of ISTVS’ food lab technicians. The training curriculum for the core laboratory techniques training comprised of five chapters which were designed to equip the participants with practical skills and knowledge about General Laboratory Techniques practices, recognition, control and reporting of the test result. Each module had both practical and theory sessions. The five chapters entailed; Introduction to Laboratory Safety and Operating Procedure for operation, Introduction to Parasitology (Quantitative techniques, Qualitative methods, Estimation of Packed Cell Volume, Microscope, and Microscope) and Introduction to Hematology and Serology (Hemocytometry, smear, rose bengal and Brucella). The fourth chapter was Introduction to Bacteriology (sterilization and media preparation, biochemical testing – culture, streaking, and inoculums) and the fifth Introduction to Urine analysis. The trainers and participants had a chance to present the outcomes and recommendations from the training. The Director General of the Ministry of livestock, technical field officers of the RAHSP and head of Department of Animal health had a chance to comment on and fine-tune the recommendations. One of the recommendations included upgrading the national diagnostic lab that needs expansion and standardization regarding infrastructure, design, electricity, equipment, ventilation, Plumbing, and Emergency Deluge Water. Trainees also discussed how a standard laboratory Design should look like not only for the national diagnostic lab but labs in general as well as Basic physical infrastructure requirements of any laboratory. The training objectives were achieved at the end of the six day’s training with the Director General of the ministry of livestock, in his closing remarks appreciating the RAHSP team for their continuous commitment, support and cooperation with Ministry of livestock and in particular for the laboratories. He also advised and encouraged the trainees to put the knowledge acquired and skills into practice in their respective labs and also share the information with their colleagues. This training will go a long way in ensuring ISTVS’ labs’ technicians are familiar with basic lab techniques which are something of importance as our Labs are very crucial for our teaching and learning process.