Medical Laboratory Sciences By Samuel

18/03/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Susie Brown, Rabia Khalid, Ruhani Bt Mustamin, Faye Alexander, Ihab Anwar, Drgehan Cardiologist, Raghunathan Muthu Samy, Saran Cherif, Mehul Parekh, Abdi Farah Ahmed, Wei Han Liu, مفيد هاشم, Isaac Kotingi, Sevala Meskovic, Ravindra Ramdas Fulmali, Chairat Ang, Soso Nemsadze, Rocio Moreno Sanchez-Pierola, Gert Wepener, Mohd Abu Nasar, Temitope Adeleke Adekunle, Awosanya-Oyekanmi Mary Olabisi, Yasir Arafat Hossain, Dengel Mariam Enate, Babatunde Jamiu Dauda, Michael Rhova, Given Ngosa, Murtala Muhammed, Ivanka Kenfack, Sylvia Tracy Ncube, Oyebanjo Damilola, Linda Bryan, Eric Lord Kuttorson, Sadeeq Ullah, Peter Mugambi, Oladele Adebowale Cosmos'd, Olawunmi Gbemisola, Sandipan Bandyopadhyay, Tapas Khan, Peter Devereux, Sowmya Ryali, John McKenzie, Leny Wasilwa, Lala Taddese Tuli, Mohamed Hassan Aden, Anyebe Anyebe Ezekiel Jnr, Harouna Othman, Tain Hlwar, Noppanon Pinpradub, Dian Shilemba

13/03/2026

🎓 Join the LabPro Student Membership today!

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12/03/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Drs Zahra Abdikadir Gosar, Abdul Halim, Carla Nesmith, Antoniya Ivanova, Francisca Dambuza-Marimo, Rob Overbeek, John Shiaondo, Fazal Akthar, Anh Thi, Molefe Kgalamono, JoAnne Richardson, Precious Otong, Murtala Abdullahi, Mumba Chilimboyi, Danny Mottey, Siju Devasia, Aina Olajumoke Derbbie, Tiffany Burgert Crawford, Charles Komoth, Sokun Sor, SanchezMedica Ingeneria Hospitalaria, Chibale Mathieu, Dr-Mohamed Abdirahman Kawir, Praveen Subhashrao Salunke, Tagay Belayne, Ayse Konac, Adelugbin Adeniyi, Daniel De Siko, Baba Muhammed, Zach Wahogo, Nanak Nancy, Maryl Sangz, Hanif Barak, Manish Kumar, Emmanuel Kayode Osukoya, Hussein Karnaba, Sanusi Abubakar Gwagwa, Larry Davou, Festus Olabisi, Mahesh Choudhary Jat Bhai, Mohd Yasin Ansari, Biomed Drop Box, Kiran Reddy, Aziz Usmonov, Channy Heang, Elanthamizhan Ramalingam, Pamela Ngantcha Samen, Arun Dua, Amedlab Serv, Justine Dapillah

06/03/2026

This only applies to Zambians.

Fellowship Programme for Zambian youths.

04/03/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Athena Chaikalis, Tanjamia Williams, DrGeorges Tawk, Penda Kamab, Lili Stoica, Ali Dandidi, Veronica Pleskach, Md. Shariful Islam, Emma Vickson, Tedla Zegeye, Meer Mustaq, Nagy Alfred, Yaze Z Bdr, Viktor Nadarević, Khathu Mandiwana, Jyoti Prakash Ekka, Alfred Karakadzai, Bada Godseesheart Holuwatoxyyn, Oluwagbabee Olutosin Onasanya, Wondmagegn Grmw, Usman Haruna, Geoffrey Olweru, Alabi Janet Ifeoluwa, Antarleena Bhattacharjee, Suman Dey, Junior Azoozaa'TDi Alvarado, عبد الله بشير سقير, Shafeeq Ahmad Rather, Daniel Kirima, Tesefaye Genamo, Adejoke Aderemi Esther, Muhammad Haris, Dibyendu Maity, Prince Gulzar Siyal, Waazor Ikari, Krouit Cherki, Rabnawaz Hyderi, Chizoba Azoba, Glory Ite, April Alvarez, Benard Kirui, Sarah Smith, Mohammed Babayo, Physics Tutorials, Mulolo Knox Shanks, Maamme Amassani, Mia Mia Leli, Khairullah Muradi, Bile Yare, Kamal Hussain Kashani

02/03/2026

LAB ALERT: Trichomonas vaginalis Detected in a 57 year old Male.

During routine urine microscopy, laboratories sometimes detect a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This organism causes trichomoniasis, a common but often overlooked sexually transmitted infection.

FOR THE PUBLIC

Many men may not know they have this infection because symptoms can be mild or absent. However, some people may experience:

✓ Pain or burning when urinating
✓ Irritation in the urinary tract.

Early testing and proper treatment from a health professional can resolve the infection and prevent spreading it to partners.

✓ If you notice unusual urinary symptoms, visit a health facility for testing.
✓ Avoid self-medication.
✓Partner treatment is important.

FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS & LAB COLLEAGUES

In male urine samples, T. vaginalis may be identified through:

a) FRESH URINE WET MOUNT MICROSCOPY

✓Motile, flagellated protozoa with characteristic jerky movement during examination of urine sediment

Because male infections are often underdiagnosed, laboratory detection plays a critical role in patient management and STI control.

Laboratories Save Lives Through Early Detection.
Accurate microscopy and timely reporting help clinicians manage infections effectively and protect community health.

25/02/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Destiny Dove Young, Walid Fikry, Bella Tilman, Ramesh Maji, Ogunfolabi Adenike, LaRhonda Askew, Rose Malatse, Elvie Espinas Elnasin, Biju Thomas, Zakariyah Hassan Ibrahim, Ong SK, Prince Rotimi Olawepo, خليل هوارين, Karyin White, Tafida Rabi'u Usman, Laxman Gyanwaly, Ozan Mik Mon, Ebraheim Refat, Ogail Eltahir, Winson King, Kalpnath Singh, ChihJen Yu, Folake Famuyiwa, Sahar Mogahed, Adu Brazil, Shankar Das Bairagi, Sandra Ukah, Yugandhar Borra, Adedinni Olasunkanmi, Sudha Darshan, Sani Umar, Halkano Abdub, Kelvin Mutila, Roy Koome, Lipenga Allan, Timothy Muriuki, Manoj Chaudhari, Barth Apis, Сарнай Жүли, Abhishek Pal, Mary Hartnett, Mujahid Abbas, Ibrahim Abdul-rauf, Rana Usama, Sumit Singh, Faju Kumbalo, Sufyan Ali, Damilola Felicia Akintola, Peter Kwok, Vincent Dauda Kallon

23/02/2026

At all costs let's not encourage patients to self medicate.

18/02/2026

MICROSCOPY CASE HIGHLIGHT: GIARDIA LAMBLIA

Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that infects the small intestine and is a common cause of diarrhoeal illness worldwide.

LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS :

On stool microscopy, Giardia may appear as:

✓Trophozoites (pear-shaped, bilaterally symmetrical, with two nuclei — often described as having a “face-like” appearance )

✓Cysts (oval, with multiple nuclei)
Accurate identification is key to guiding appropriate treatment and preventing ongoing transmission.

COMMON CAUSES:

Infection usually occurs through:
✓ Contaminated water
✓Poor food hygiene
✓Person-to-person spread

SYMPTOMS:

✓Persistent diarrhoea
✓Abdominal cramps
✓Bloating
✓Nausea
✓Fatigue

PREVENTION:

✓Safe drinking water.
✓proper sanitation.
✓good hand hygiene.

05/02/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Ivy Jane Salcedo-Micabalo Salarda, Rohana Wijesooriya, Farah Saleem, Kemor Brooks, Doaa Gad, Rasheedat Akanni, Grant Nombwende, Mukubuta Lungowe Simbeye, Alfred Rogers, Migue Diaz, Mpangananji Stephen, Anand Gupta, Ranabrata Ghosh, Idongesit Inuk, Islem Riahi, Benjamin Chishimba Kabamba, Daniel K***a Mwewa, Glória Stefán, Deblakshmi Mandal, Thikan Olusayo, Miangul Saleem Yousafzai, Prince Asghar Ali Shaikh, B Boy Vony Kale, Benadina Juma, YaRa Yasser, David Ivah, Jargaltuya Tumurpvrew, Nagwa Yousif, M***i Abdul Rehman Kharoti, Mina Samy, Randhirsinh Parmar, Yawo Fabrice Akutsa, Ayiik Chan Peter Redeemer, DrManish Yadav, Tabita Mulapwa Kalala, Albert Ezekwe, Daka Nag, Irene Nabwire, Abasifreke Umanah, Kamal Khan, Binta Ibrahim Sa'id, Boyi S. Sanda, Muhammad Ilyas, Gordon Chongo Mutale, أحمد جعفر هاشم, Amrita Kalita, Rufa'i Rukayya, Peter Simuchimba, Mustaqeem Afridi, Lawal Kaothar Temitope

29/01/2026

✓CLIENT: M/38

✓SPECIMEN: Semen

✓ DIAGNOSIS: Severe Oligos***mia

Severe oligos***mia means a very low s***m count in semen.

a) WHAT IT MEANS (numbers)

✓ Normal s***m count: ≥ 15 million/mL

✓ Oligos***mia: < 15 million/mL

✓Severe oligos***mia: usually < 5 million/mL

b) WHY IT MATTERS

With such low numbers, the chance of natural pregnancy is reduced, but not always zero. Outcomes depend on the cause and whether treatment helps.

c) COMMON CAUSES

HORMONAL

✓Low testosterone
✓High FSH/LH (suggests testicular failure)
✓Pituitary problems

TESTICULAR FACTORS

✓ Varicocele (dilated scrotal veins)
✓ Past infections (mumps orchitis)
✓Undescended te**es
✓Trauma or surgery

GENETIC

✓Y-chromosome microdeletions
✓Klinefelter syndrome

BLOCKAGES

Partial obstruction of s***m ducts

LIFESTYLE / ENVIRONMENTAL

✓Smoking, alcohol, drugs
✓Heat exposure (tight clothing, hot baths)
✓Obesity
✓ Certain medications (chemo, some hormones)

d) HOW IT's EVALUATED

1. Repeat semen analysis (at least 2 tests, 2–3 weeks apart)
2. Hormonal tests: FSH, LH, Testosterone, Prolactin
3. Scrotal ultrasound (check for varicocele, te**is size)
4. Genetic testing (if the count is extremely low)
5. Medical history review (infections, meds, lifestyle)

e) MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

Depends on the cause 👇

TREATABLE CAUSES

✓Varicocele repair
✓Hormonal correction (when appropriate)
✓Treat infections
✓Lifestyle changes

ASSISTED REPRODUCTION

✓IVF/ICSI (often effective even with very low counts)
✓ Surgical s***m retrieval if needed

f) CAN IT IMPROVE?

Yes—sometimes. Especially if due to:
✓Varicocele
✓Hormonal imbalance
✓Lifestyle factors

Genetic or primary testicular causes are less reversible, but fertility options still exist.

20/10/2025

LABORATORY SPECIMEN SUBMISSION

Submitting the correct amount or volume of a specimen for laboratory testing is crucial for ensuring accurate and reliable results. Too little might mean the lab can't perform all necessary tests, while too much can sometimes be unnecessary or make handling difficult.

GENERAL GUIDE ON APPROPRIATE SPECIMEN AMOUNTS, DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN ROUTINE AND MORE COMPLEX TESTS.

Always refer to specific instructions from your healthcare provider or the laboratory, as requirements can vary!

​1. STOOL (F***S) SPECIMENS

​Stool samples are vital for diagnosing digestive issues, infections, and other conditions.

FOR ROUTINE EXAMINATION (e.g., Occult Blood, Ova & Parasites, Culture):

✓ ​AMOUNT: Typically, a walnut-sized portion (about 2-5 grams) is sufficient. If using a collection kit, there will often be a designated fill line or scoop.

✓ ​METHOD: Collect from different parts of the stool (top, middle, and end) to get a representative sample. Avoid mixing with urine or toilet water.

​✓WHY: This amount provides enough material for microscopic examination, chemical tests, and culture without being excessive.

​FOR COMPLEX/SPECIALIZED TESTS (e.g., Quantitative F***l Fat, Elastase):

✓ AMOUNT: These tests often require larger, sometimes timed, collections. For example, a 24- or 72-hour f***l fat test requires all stool passed during that period.

✓ ​METHOD: You'll be provided with special containers and detailed instructions for collecting every bowel movement over the specified time.

​✓WHY: These tests measure total output or specific components over time, requiring a comprehensive collection to be accurate.

​2. URINE SPECIMENS

Urine samples are incredibly versatile for detecting kidney disease, UTIs, metabolic disorders, and more.

FOR ROUTINE URINALYSIS (UA) & Culture:

✓ VOLUME: 30-60 mL (about 2-4 tablespoons) is generally ideal. Some labs can work with less (e.g., 10-20 mL) if needed.

✓ METHOD: A "mid-stream clean catch" is usually required to avoid contamination. Collect the urine into a sterile container.

✓ WHY: This volume allows for chemical strip testing, microscopic examination of sediment, and microbial culture if indicated.

​FOR COMPLEX/SPECIALIZED TESTS:

​a) 24-HOUR URINE COLLECTION (e.g., Creatinine Clearance, Protein, Cortisol):

✓ VOLUME: This requires collecting all urine passed over a full 24-hour period. You will be given a large container (typically 2-4 liters capacity), sometimes containing a preservative.

✓ METHOD: You start by emptying your bladder and discarding that first urine. Then, for the next 24 hours, you collect every drop of urine passed into the provided container. At the exact 24-hour mark, you empty your bladder one last time into the container.

✓ WHY: These tests measure how much of a substance your kidneys process or excrete over an entire day, requiring a complete collection for accurate calculations and diagnoses.

b) FIRST MORNING URINE (e.g., for specific protein markers, pregnancy tests):

✓ VOLUME: Usually 30-60 mL.

✓METHOD: Collect the very first urine you pass upon waking.

✓ WHY: This urine is typically more concentrated, making it ideal for detecting substances that might be diluted later in the day.

c) POST-PRANDIAL URINE (e.g., Glucose):

✓ VOLUME: Typically 30-60 mL.

✓ METHOD: Collected a specific time after a meal (e.g., 2 hours).

✓ WHY: Used to assess how the body handles substances like glucose after food intake.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR ALL SPECIMENS

a) ​Read Instructions Carefully: Always prioritize the specific instructions given by your doctor or the lab.
b) ​Use Provided Containers: Labs provide sterile, appropriate containers for a reason.
c) ​Label Clearly: Ensure your name, date, and time of collection are clearly written on the container.
d) ​Store Correctly: Follow guidance on refrigeration or special handling to maintain specimen integrity.
e) ​Ask Questions: If anything is unclear, don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider or the laboratory staff for clarification.

By taking a moment to understand and follow collection guidelines, you play a vital role in ensuring the accuracy of your diagnostic tests and supporting effective healthcare!

Douglas J Moyo Dickson Sandala Health Workers Connect Health Professions Council of Zambia - HPCZ Ministry of Health Zambia Dr. Mujajati Aaron