New Day, New Learning in the Laboratory
Today was another rotation day for us. Since we rotate every three days, we were assigned to the RHU Laboratory. When we arrived, we introduced ourselves to the head of the laboratory, Ma’am Roda Camay, and to the medical technologists, Ma’am Cathy and Ma’am Zainaph.
After that, Ma’am Roda gave us an orientation about the different areas inside the laboratory. She showed us the drug testing area and the TB microscopy section. She explained that the TB area is separated because tuberculosis is contagious. She also showed us the area where they process blood, urine, and other laboratory tests. Some of the machines looked familiar to me because we were introduced to them during Grade 11 and Grade 12.
Later on, Ma’am Cathy allowed us to observe and experience some of the procedures. She first explained the two machines in the Hematology section: the 3-part and 5-part hematology analyzers. She told us that the 5-part analyzer is more detailed and advanced because it can identify the WBCs into specific types. However, since it might be confusing for beginners, she let us use the 3-part analyzer first.
Before placing the EDTA tube into the machine, she reminded us to gently invert the tube several times to make sure the blood and anticoagulant are properly mixed. This helps prevent clotting and ensures accurate results. We were also assigned to write the patients’ blood test results in the record book. While entering the patient’s name on the machine, we had a hard time because the screen was not very responsive, so it took us a while to finish.
Next, Ma’am Cathy taught us how to perform urine testing. First, we numbered the test tubes and made sure the numbers matched the patient’s assigned number. We also observed and recorded the color of the urine. Then, we slowly poured the urine into the labeled test tubes. After that, we dipped the urine reagent strip into the sample and placed it inside the urine analyzer to get the results. The urine samples were also placed in the centrifuge, making sure they were balanced properly. After a few minutes, the results were printed, and we recorded them carefully.
Lastly, Ma’am Cathy showed us how to examine urine under the microscope. We were able to see red blood cells and other components. Some of the terms she mentioned were familiar to us because we had already discussed them in Biology class, especially about the use of the microscope.
In the afternoon, during our free time, our groupmates from the OPD called us to observe a patient who needed stitches because he was injured by broken glass. Some of us felt uneasy while watching the procedure. As for me, I felt sorry for the elderly man. I also felt a bit uncomfortable because I remembered my own experience of getting stitches before.
Today was full of new learnings and real-life experiences. Being in the laboratory helped me understand more about how important accuracy and proper procedures are in getting reliable results.