Surgery and Healing in the Developing World - Dartmouth-Hitchcock

Lab in a Suitcase
Figure 3. Manual counting procedure for differential analysis.
the red blood cells, they will stick together and result in a faster ESR rate. Obtain
the anticoagulated blood sample using a pipette bulb and draw the blood into the
graduated ESR tube. Place in a vertical stand and set the timer for 1 hour. Measure
the level of sedimentation red cells in mm after 1 hour. ESR normally rises with
increased age and anemia. Normal values can be calculated in men: (age)/2, and in
women: (age+10)/2.
Blood Tests Requiring Kits
T3, T4, TSH, Creatinine, Amalyse, Bilirubin, PTT and PT
These tests require prepackaged kits that must be refrigerated at 4˚C. All analyses
can be carried out with plasma and/or serum samples.
MCV, Hb, Hct, Na, K, and Ca
These tests require specific reagents and a photometer. Most of the reagents need
to be refrigerated at 4˚C.
Glucose
A glucometer is required to measure serum glucose. Do not forget that a
glucometer requires batteries.
Microbiology and Parasitology
Preparing a Smear
A properly prepared smear causes bacteria to adhere to a slide so that they can be
stained and observed. The correct density of bacteria on the surface of the slide is
essential to ensure reliable date. If too many bacteria are present and they overlap
each other, bacterial will not stain properly. If too few, and they cannot be located
on the slide.
1. The slide must be clean and grease-free. Clean the slide by breathing on it
repeatedly followed by rubbing vigorously with a kimwipe or paper towel
to remove the fog. When the slide de-fogs immediately after breathing on
it, it is sufficiently clean.
2. To prepare a smear from a dry culture, place a very small drop of distilled
water on the slide. After aseptically removing material from a culture, mix
with the water. If the specimen is in dilute culture broth, place directly on
slide. Note: very little sample is needed for a good smear.
3. Allow drop to air dry.
4. Pass the slide quickly through a flame three times to kill the bacterial and
cause them to adhere.
5. Allow the slide to cool and then proceed with staining.
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