Manual of basic techniques for a health laboratory - libdoc.who.int

This manual provides a practical guide to the safe and accurate performanceof basic laboratory techniques. Intended for use by laboratorytechnicians working in peripheral-level laboratories in developing countries,the book emphasizes simple, economical procedures that canyield accurate results where resources, including equipment, are scarceand the climate is hot and humid.The book is divided into three parts. The first describes the setting-upof a peripheral health laboratory and general laboratory procedures,including use of a microscope and laboratory balances, centrifugation,measurement and dispensing of liquids, and cleaning, disinfection andsterilization of laboratory equipment. Methods of disposal of laboratorywaste, dispatch of specimens to reference laboratories and laboratorysafety are also discussed. The second part describes techniques forthe examination of different specimens for helminths, protozoa, bacteriaand fungi. Techniques for the preparation, fixation and staining ofsmears are also discussed. The third and final part describes theexamination of urine, cerebrospinal fluid and blood, including techniquesbased on immunological and serological principles. For eachtechnique, a list of materials and reagents is given, followed by adetailed description of the method and the results of microscopicexamination.Numerous illustrations are used throughout the book to clarify thedifferent steps involved. A summary of the reagents required for thevarious techniques and their preparation is provided in the annex.ISBN 92-4-154530-59 789241 545303