TECHNICAL REPORT

ON

STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

BY

BENSON, MONICA BONIFACE

2023/ND/SLT/046

AT

SALTHON MEDICAL CENTER AND MATERNITY

39B DIBUE, IKOT EKPENE, AKWA IBOM STATE.

SUMMITED TO

THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY,

SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCE

FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC UKANA,

AKWA IBOM STATE.

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE

AWARD OF NATIONAL DIPLOMA(ND) IN SCIENCE LABORATORY
TECHNOLOGY.

FEBRUARY, 2025
 DEDICATION

I dedicate this this project to God Almighty my creator, My strong pillar, my source of
inspiration, wisdom, knowledge and understanding and to my parents for their support.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my profound gratitude to my SIWES coordinator, Mr. Samuel

Ajewole and to my Head of Department, Mr. Andrew Osivmete and to all the lectures for
their assistance and encouragement.
My profound gratitude goes to my parents for their care, advice, prayers and support and to
all those who has contributed in one way or the other towards the success of this report. May
the good lord bless and replenish you all. Amen!

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 ABSTRACT
During the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), conducted from 23rd
September 2024 to 30th November 2024 at Salthon Medical Care and Maternity, valuable
hands-on experience was acquired in key laboratory and diagnostic techniques. This report is
an overview of knowledge gained in malaria testing, HIV screening, blood grouping
procedures, random blood sugar analysis, and urinalysis. This experience enhanced practical
knowledge of diagnostic workflows and patient care processes, fostering a deeper
understanding of medical laboratory operations and contributing to professional growth in
healthcare service delivery.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEDICATION..........................................................................................................................................i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.......................................................................................................................ii
ABSTRACT...........................................................................................................................................iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS.......................................................................................................................iv
CHAPTER ONE......................................................................................................................................1
1.1 History About SIWES And ITF...............................................................................................1
1.2 Scope Of SIWES.....................................................................................................................2
1.3 Aim And Objective Of SIWES................................................................................................2
1.4 The Role Of Student In SIWES...............................................................................................3
1.5 The Logbook............................................................................................................................3
1.6 Objective Of SIWES Report....................................................................................................3
CHAPTER TWO.....................................................................................................................................4
2.1 History And Background Of The Establishment.....................................................................4
2.2 The company’s objectives, value and scope of service of the company.................................5
2.3 Departments in The Company.................................................................................................5
2.4 Organizational Structure Of The Company (Organogram).....................................................6
2.5 Safety precaution/ rules that guides the activities of the company..........................................7
2.6 Equipment, Machines, Devices Used During The Training....................................................7
CHAPTER THREE.................................................................................................................................9
3.1 Hepatitis Test...........................................................................................................................9
3.2 PCV Test................................................................................................................................14
3.3 Pregnancy Test.......................................................................................................................16
3.4 Haemoglobin Estimation.......................................................................................................19
CHAPTER FOUR..................................................................................................................................22
4.1 Knowledge gained in the course of the training and the benefits of the programme...........22
4.2 Challenges Encountered During SIWES...............................................................................22
4.3 Summary................................................................................................................................22
4.4 Conclusion.............................................................................................................................23
4.5 Recommendations..................................................................................................................23
REFERENCES......................................................................................................................................24

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.1 History About SIWES And ITF

The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) was established in

Nigeria in 1973 by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in response to the growing
demand for skilled manpower in the labor market. The program aimed to bridge the
gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, offering students hands-on
experience in their respective fields of study. Officially approved by the Federal
government in 1974, SIWES was initially managed by the ITF. However, due to
financial challenges, the ITF withdrew from managing the program in 1978, and the
responsibility was transferred to the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the
National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in 1979 (Akinyemi, 2005).

SIWES plays a crucial role in providing students with practical skills and work
experience, which are essential for enhancing their employability in various
industries. It also benefits industries by supplying them with a pool of trained and
experienced graduates, who are better prepared for the workforce demands. Over the
years, SIWES has evolved to include a wide range of disciplines such as engineering,
technology, agriculture, environmental science, and more (Oluwaseun, 2012). The
program has grown in scope and significance, continuing to serve as a vital link
between academic institutions and industries.

In November 1984, the management and implementation of SIWES were handed

back to the ITF by the federal government. By July 1985, the ITF had officially
resumed control of the scheme, while the government continued to fund the program
(Okoro, 2014). The primary purpose of SIWES is to ensure that students acquire
practical experience that aligns with the requirements of employers, improving their
chances of securing employment after graduation. This initiative was driven by the
recognition that the theoretical aspects of university education did not adequately
prepare students for the demands of the job market, as industrialists had expressed the
need for skilled workers with relevant experience (Fadare, 2011).

1
1.2 Scope Of SIWES
The students are placed in industries related to their areas of studies. The students will
be given activities or specific tasks to further broaden their skills and knowledge
during the Industrial Training. It also aim at exposing students to machines and
equipment, professional work methods and ways of safeguarding the work areas and
workers in industries, offices, laboratories, hospitals and other organizations.

It also aim at exposing students to machines and equipment, professional work

methods and ways of safeguarding the work areas and workers in industries, offices,
laboratories, hospitals and other organizations.

1.3 Aim And Objective Of SIWES

1. Make the transition from universities to the world for work easier and thus enhances
student contact for later job placement.
2. It provide student with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in real
work situations thereby bridging the gap between university work and actual practice.
3. To provide an avenue for students in Nigerian Tertiary institutions to acquire
industrial skills and experience in their course of study.
4. To prepare students for work situations they are likely to meet after graduation.
5. It exposes students to work methods and techniques and handling of machinery that
may likely not available in their specialized institutions.
6. Enlist and strengthen employer participation throughout the entire educational process
of preparing students for industrial jobs.

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1.4 The Role Of Student In SIWES
1. To actively engage in learning and acquiring practical skills related to their field of
study.
2. The students should be able to participate in solving real-world problems, enhancing
problem-solving skills.
3. They should use the opportunity to enhance professional development by acquiring
new skills and refining existing ones.
4. To be a good communicator by developing an effective communication skills by
interacting with colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals.
5. To collaborate with colleagues and professionals in the workplace to achieve common
goals.

1.5 The Logbook

SIWES logbook contains log sheets for one to record all activities they perform and
functions they attend at the training organization. SIWES logbooks vary with learning
institutions and training organizations

Logbook is a record-keeping tool used to track and document various activities,

events or work progress. It is commonly used in a variety of industries, such shipping,
aviation, and scientific research, as well as in educational setting and for personal
tracking purposes. It is essential to traditional navigation, and must be filled in at least
daily.

The logbook to Students on industrial attachment Scheme by the institution (the

Federal Polytechnic Ukana) were to record all the daily activities that take place
during the period of attachment and it was evaluated by the industry-base supervisor
and validated by the institution-base supervision.

1.6 Objective Of SIWES Report

1. To convey relevant information, findings, or analysis on a particular subject or topic
To analyse data or situations and evaluate their implications, significance, or outcome.
2. To provide an overview of the organization where the Student Industrial Work
Experience Scheme (SIWES) took place.
3. To share knowledge and insights with a target audience or readership.
4. To record and document information, events, or research for future reference
3
 CHAPTER TWO

2.1 History And Background Of The Establishment

The facility, Salthon Medical Centre was first founded by the Director, Dr. Sackiel
Thomas Nkanta in the year 1998 with a different name, St. Jude’s Michael Center at
home town, Ukana Nsasak in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

Following certain misunderstanding, the center then was moved to Oduk in Ikono
Local Government Area still with that name in 1989, late Linus Thomas Nkanta was
then the manager. The name was later changed to Central Medical Center, Oduk,
Annex of Late Dr. Elijah Ukpong’s Clinic at Utu Edem Usung, following the
government intimidation later, in 1990, the real name SALTHON MEDICAL
CENTRE & MATERNITY was born using the acronyms of the Director‘s name
and was used in full registration of the centre. This was as a result of General
Babangida’s Lifting of ban on public Clinic owned by Civil Servants. The named
remains the authentic name for the center till date.

Later, an annex was opened for the then manager at Nkwot Etok in Ini Local
Government Area, so a new manager was selected in the person of Mr. Peter Usoro.

The centre then grew in fame and in size as regards patients turn up. When we
established at Ikono L.G.A, there was no good road, the terrain of the road was gallop
and took a long time to travel to Ikot Ekpene if one wants to buy anything, houses
along the road were few and it was dangerous to travel at late hours because of `BAD
BOYS’ that roamed the street, causing different havocs ranging from rape,
defilement, assaults of different kinds. We were able to survive such condition till the
road was constructed. Also there was no light or water by then.

In 1996, a new center was established at No. 10 Ikono Road, Ikot Ekpene and was
made the headquarters while Ikono became an Annex. The first manager then was
Abraham. The new place also started growing in fame and in size. Serious cases
started trooping in following the news of treatment miracles, though we are not
miracle performers but the Father. So many surprises have been taking place in this
center which we cannot explain. All these are attributed to God’s divine intervention.
After passing through two other buildings along Ikono Road, we finally settled here as
designed by God. Here is a permanent settlement by the grace of God. We hope to

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 complete this building this year to have a full operational department, with God on
our side.

We always give thanks to God for His mercy, Kindness, Healing intervention and all
the performances that he has taken over making this facility one of the famous
treatment centres in term of healing with minimal facilities.

In God we trust, thank you all.

2.2 The company’s objectives, value and scope of service of the company

Objectives And Values Of The Company

1. Compassion- Being empathetic.
2. To improve the quality of working life of our partners and staff
3. To maintain the identity and autonomy of our practices, within a large effective
structure
4. To create an environment for a sustainable and high-quality workforce
5. Accountability -Being responsible and taking action.

Scope Of Services
1. Support services
2. Diagnostic Services
3. Medical care
4. Nursing services etc

2.3 Departments in The Company

1. Radiography department
2. Medical laboratory
3. Pharmacy

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 2.4 Organizational Structure Of The Company (Organogram)

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CLINIC
SCHOOL
ADMINISTRATION
PRINCIPAL
MANAGER
SUPERVISOR
VICE PRINCIPAL
ASSISTANT MANAGER

LECTUREERS ASSISTANT
SUPERVISOR NURSING OFFICER

STUDENT LAB. SCIENTIST

REPRESENTATIVE HOST SECRETARY
SE

ACCOUNT UNIT PHARMACIST

SE

Figure 2.1: Organogram of the Company

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2.5 Safety precaution/ rules that guides the activities of the company

1. Patient’s identification is ensured through proper verification procedures to prevent

errors in diagnosis, treatment, or administration of medications.
2. Infection control by implementing rigorous infection prevention measures including
proper hand hygiene, sterilization of equipment, and maintenance of a clean
environment to minimize the risk of infections.

3. Equipment maintenance is ensured

4. Provide clear and comprehensive instructions to patients regarding their conditions,

treatments, and follow-up care to enhance understanding and cooperation, promoting
better health outcomes.
5. Documentation accuracy is ensured, including patient histories, test results, and
treatment plans, to support effective communication among healthcare providers and
ensure continuity of care.

2.6 Equipment, Machines, Devices Used During The Training

1. Syringe
2. Centrifuge
3. Sample bottles
4. Microscope
5. Kidney dish
6. Glass slides
7. White tile
8. Capillary tubes
9. Test strips
10. Tourniquet

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Pictorial view of the equipment

Plate 2.2: Medical Laboratory Equipment

8
 CHAPTER THREE
ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT DURING THE CAUSE OF THE TRAINING

3.1 Hepatitis Test

Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viral infections.
The specific type of hepatitis is named after the virus responsible, such as hepatitis A,
B, or C (Chen et al., 2020). While viral infections account for most cases, drug or
alcohol abuse can also result in hepatitis (Schuppan and Afdhal, 2020). Hepatitis often
leads to hepatic anorexia, liver damage, jaundice, or even liver cancer if untreated
(World Health Organization (WHO, 2021). Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted
through the fecal-oral route, while hepatitis B and C are most frequently spread via
blood-to-blood contact and other body fluids (CDC, 2022).

Hepatitis B is particularly significant due to the presence of the Hepatitis B surface

antigen (HBsAg), a complex antigen found on the virus's surface and a key marker for
infection (Lok and McMahon, 2007). Children and young adults are especially
vulnerable to hepatitis A, for which there is no effective vaccine available (WHO,
2021). Prevention strategies, including vaccination for hepatitis B and improved
hygiene practices, remain critical to reducing transmission.

Sign and Symptom Of Hepatitis

1. Loss of appetite
2. Diarrhoea
3. Nausea
4. Fever
5. Abdominal discomfort
6. Dark colour urine
7. Jaundice
8. Weakness of the body

Materials Used For Hepatitis Test

1. Hand glove
2. Test strip
3. Centrifuge
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4. Blood sample
5. EDTA container
6. Cotton wool
7. Syringe
8. Methylated spirit

Spread of Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis is spread through the following way
1. Contact with the blood of an infected person: It may happen during blood transfusion,
sexual contact, sharing needles, syringes or other drug injection. It affected through
contact with blood, semen and body fluid from a person infected by the virus.

2. During pregnancy: When you have hepatitis, it is possible to give it to your unborn
baby.

3. Drinking contaminated water and eating raw or under cooked shellfish from
contaminated water.

Importance and Uses Of Hepatitis Test

1. Hepatitis test is used to check whether you have a viral hepatitis infection now or had
one in the past.
2. Viral hepatitis test is used to know the type of hepatitis, whether the hepatitis is
hepatitis A, B or C.
3. It help to detect the signs of the hepatitis A, B and C

Protocol for Hepatitis Test

There are two type of blood test to diagnose hepatitis
1. Rapid Diagnostic Test: This test looks for certain proteins that come from the
hepatitis virus. It provides result in less than 15-30 minute but cannot indicate the type
of hepatitis virus you have. It fast and cheap.

2. Blood test: For this test, a drop of blood is put on a slide. The slide will examine
under a microscope to look for the virus. Blood test detect all the type of hepatitis
virus.

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 Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis A: Is a liver infection cause by a virus that is spread in the poor of an
infected person it’s uncommon in that UK, but certain groups are increased risk.
Hepatitis A can be unpleasant, but it’s not usually serious and most people make a full
recovery with a couple of months.
It can occasionally last for many month and, in rare cases, It can be life threatening if
it causes the live to stop working properly (liver failure). The symptoms of hepatitis A
develop on average, around 4 weeks after becoming infected, although not everyone
will experience them the symptom can include, fever, jaundice, dark urine and pale
stools, itchy skin, loss of appetite, joint and muscle pain.

Hepatitis A is most widespread in parts of the world where standards of sanitation and
food hygiene are generally poor, such as part of Africa, the Indian subcontinent, the
far cast, the middle East and central and South America.

Hepatitis A can be spread through the following

1. Having sex with an infected person

2. Close contact with an infected person
3. Eating food prepared by someone with the infection who hasn’t washed their hands
properly or washed them in water.
4. Drink contaminated water.

Hepatitis B: Is an infection of the liver caused by a virus that’s spread through blood
and body fluid. It often doesn’t cause any obvious symptoms in adults and typically
passes in a few months without treatment. It include, diarrhoea, Jaundice, abdominal
pain.

Hepatitis B is less common in the UK than other parts of the world but certain groups
are at an increased risk. This include people who inject drugs and people who have
unprotected sex with multiple sexual partner.

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 Hepatitis B virus is fund in the blood and bodily fluids, such as semen and vaginal
fluids, of an infected person.

Hepatitis B can be spread through the following ways:

1. Through a mother to her new born baby
2. Injecting drugs and sharing needles and other drug equipment, such as spoons and
filters.
3. Having sex with an infected person without using a condom.
Hepatitis B isn’t spread by kissing, holding hands, hugging, coughing, and sneezing.

Hepatitis C: Is a virus that can infect the liver. It left untreated, it can sometimes
cause serious and potentially life threatening damage to the liver over many years.
However, with modern treatments it’s easily possible to cure the infection and most
people with it will have a normal life expectancy.

The sign and symptom of hepatitis include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, muscle
aches and a high fever, feeling tired all the time.

Hepatitis C can be spread by:

1. Sharing unsterilized sex
2. Through unprotected sex
3. From a pregnant women to her unborn baby
4. Through blood transfusion

Method for Hepatitis Test

1. Record the patient details, which include Name, Gender, Lab number, Age and the
test required. Get ready a EDTA container for labelling.
2. Wear glove and hold the patient left hand side and tied with tourniquet around upper
arm. Ask the patient to fold his or her palm.
3. Clean the back hand with a piece of cotton wool lightly soak with methylated spirit.
4. Use dry cotton wool and clean the hand.
5. Use sterile syringe to inject the patient’s vein to collect small amount of blood and
transfer the blood into EDTA container and take it to the laboratory and palce it in a
sample rack so it will not pour.

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6. Fill one container with water and measure it with the same quantity of blood inside
the EDTA container and place them opposite each other in the centrifuge. This is to
balance the centrifuge.
7. Set time to 10 minute and zoo speed, then start the centrifuge spinning. Once the
centrifuge stop, open it and remove the blood container and do not shake the
container, so that the blood will not mix together with the serum after separation.
8. Bring out test strip from seal foil pouch and place it on the laboratory table.
9. Pipette the serum and place it on the test strip and wait for about 15-30 minute for
result. After reading the result dispose the test strip.

Pictorial view of the Procedure

Plate 3.1:Collecting patient’s blood Plate 3.2: Drop it in the strip to detect result
sample

Result For Hepatitis Test

The test result shows that when a single line appears on the test strip, it means that the
test result is negative, meaning that the test did not detect sign of the virus and cannot
indicate the type of hepatitis virus the person has.
When there is appearance of double lines on the test strip, It means the test result is
positive meaning that the test carried out was able to detect signs of the virus and also
the type of hepatitis virus the person has.

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3.2 PCV Test
A Packed Cell Volume (PCV) test, also known as a hematocrit test, is a standard
blood screening procedure used to evaluate the proportion of red blood cells (RBCs)
in the blood. This test is instrumental in diagnosing conditions such as dehydration,
polycythemia, and anemia. Dehydration results in reduced blood volume and an
elevated PCV, while polycythemia indicates an abnormal increase in RBC levels,
often associated with underlying diseases or physiological adaptations (McKenzie et
al., 2019). Conversely, a low PCV can suggest anemia, commonly caused by
nutritional deficiencies, blood loss, or chronic illnesses (World Health Organization
(WHO, 2021). The PCV test is widely employed in clinical settings due to its
simplicity and diagnostic efficiency, providing critical insights into a patient’s
hematological health.
Apparatus: Syringe, capillary tube, sealant, cotton wool, test tube, Micro-haematocrit
reader and centrifuge

Procedure for PCV test

1. I registered the patient
2. I took the patient’s blood sample using venepuncture method
3. I filled up to 1/3rd of the capillary tube with the whole blood.
4. I sealed one end of the tube using appropriate sealant.
5. I spin it at 5.000RPM FOR 10minutes.
6. I read the result using micro-haematocrit reader.

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 Pictorial View of the Test result

Plate 3.3: Place the capillary tube on the

microhaematocrit reader to detect result

Results for PCV test

The normal range of the PCV test is between 35.5 to 48.6 percent. The range for men
is between 38.3 to 48.6 percent, and for women, it is 35.5 to 44.9 percent.

What happens when one has low PCV?

Anaemia
A lower number of the PCV means that the red blood cell count is less, which can be
due to many reasons such as blood loss, cell destruction, and less bone marrow
production.
What are signs of low blood in the body?

If the anemia gets worse, symptoms may include:

1. Blue color to the whites of the eyes.

2. Brittle nails.
3. Desire to eat ice or other non-food things (pica syndrome)
4. Light headedness when you stand up.
5. Pale skin color.
6. Shortness of breath with mild activity or even at rest.
7. Sore or inflamed tongue.

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 8. Mouth ulcers.

What happens when one has high PCV?

High PCV causes Polycythemia vera which is a type of chronic leukemia (blood
cancer) that causes your bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells.

How to Promote and reduce high and low PCV

The most common treatment for polycythemia vera which is the cause of high PCV
is having frequent blood withdrawals, using a needle in a vein (phlebotomy). It's the
same procedure used for donating blood. This decreases your blood volume and
reduces the number of excess blood cells.

To promote low PCV you may be able to increase your red blood cell count by eating
foods high in key nutrients, including iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Abstaining
from alcohol may also help.

Importance of PCV test

A PCV (Packed Cell Volume) Test is done to diagnose anemia or polycythemia in
patients. It is generally done along with a full blood count test that is conducted to
estimate the need for any blood transfusions and monitor the response to the blood
transfusion treatment.

3.3 Pregnancy Test

Pregnancy is a physiological condition during which a fertilized egg develops into a
fetus inside a woman's uterus. It begins with conception, where male and female
gametes fuse to form a zygote that divides into a blastocyst, which implants into the
uterine wall (Moore et al., 2020). The pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each
marked by distinct fetal development milestones and maternal changes (Cunningham
et al., 2022).
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta after
implantation, is critical for maintaining the uterine lining and supporting early
development (Norwitz et al., 2001). Pregnancy tests detect hCG in blood or urine,
with blood tests offering higher sensitivity (Cole, 2012). Monitoring hCG levels aids
in assessing pregnancy health, as abnormal levels can indicate complications like
ectopic pregnancy or trophoblastic disease (Bast et al., 2020).

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 Types of pregnancy
1. Normal (Intrauterine pregnancy)
2. Ectopic pregnancy (Pregnancy with more than one foetus)
3. Molar pregnancy (occurs when an egg and sperm joined incorrectly at fertilization
and create a noncancerous tumour)

Symptoms of Pregnancy
1. Missed period
2. Nausea and Vomiting
3. Breast enlargement
4. Fatigue
5. Frequent urination
6. Food craving
7. Backache
8. Breathleness

Materials for Pregnancy Test

1. 2ml syringe
2. Blood sample
3. EDTA bottle
4. Centrifuge
5. Cotton wool
6. Pregnancy test kit
7. Methylated spirit

Procedure for Pregnancy Test

1. 2ml of syringe was used to get the patient’s blood sample and was taken to the
laboratory for the experiment
2. The blood sample was put into an EDTA bottle and was shaken properly
3. The sample was then put in the centrifuge to spin for 5 minutes to get the serum.
4. After 5 minutes the EDTA bottle was removed from the centrifuge and then place the
test strip was placed inside the serum to detect result after 10 to 15 minutes.

17
Pictorial view of the result

PLATE 3.4: Pregnancy test result strip

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 Result For Pregnancy Test
If the result shows positive, there will be an indication of two lines on the control
test.. strip coloured pink.
If negative, there will be an indication of a single line on the test strip.
If no detection, then it is invalid. i.e
Either the strip is not wet enough.
The test is not done properly.
Either the test is negative or the sample was too less to give out any result.
What happens if someone is pregnant and the test strip shows negative?
This may occur in both blood and urine, it could be as a result of a high concentrated
human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG),i.e the pregnancy hormone.

What happens if the test strip shows positive when the person is not pregnant?
This could be as a result of user error which serves to be the most common reason.
This also includes testing too soon after recent abortion, miscarriage or child birth.

3.4 Haemoglobin Estimation

Haemoglobin estimation is a critical diagnostic test that measures the concentration of
haemoglobin in the blood. Haemoglobin, an iron-containing protein in red blood cells,
is essential for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carrying carbon
dioxide back for exhalation. This test is vital for diagnosing anaemia, monitoring
nutritional deficiencies, and managing chronic illnesses or haematological disorders
(Goswami, 2016).

Common methods for haemoglobin estimation include the Cyanmethemoglobin

method, Sahli's method, and automated analysers. Normal haemoglobin levels vary
based on age, sex, and physiological conditions such as pregnancy. Deviations from
standard levels may indicate underlying health issues requiring further medical
evaluation (Lewis, Bain, and Bates, 2012).
Apparatus: 0.1ml hydrochloric acid, Sahli apparatus, Sahli tube, Strirrer, dropper,
Haemometer pipette graduated in percentage and gram per dl (g/dl).

19
 Procedure for Haemoglobin Estimation
1. The patient was registered
2. 0.1m of hydrochloric acid was poured into Sahli tube to 2g mark.
3. The blood sample was properly mixed and 0.02ml of the sample was pipetted into the
sahli tube.
4. 0.1m hydrochloric acid was added in drops into the sahli tube and stirred properly
until the colour of the solution matches with the standard in the sahli apparatus.
5. The Sahli tube was removed and the reading was taken where the solution stops
which signifies the patient’s haemoglobin in g or dl or percentage.

Results for Haemoglobin Estimation

OD = 0.470,
HB%=123 and
HBGm% =18.00

Importance of Haemoglobin Estimation

1. Diagnosis of Anaemia: Haemoglobin estimation helps detect anaemia, a condition
characterized by low haemoglobin levels, which can result from nutritional
deficiencies, chronic diseases, or blood loss.
2. Monitoring Chronic Diseases: Conditions such as kidney disease, cancer, and heart
failure often affect haemoglobin levels, making regular monitoring essential for
effective management.
3. Preoperative and Postoperative Assessment: Haemoglobin estimation is crucial
before and after surgeries to assess a patient’s ability to tolerate blood loss and
recovery capacity.
4. Evaluation of Nutritional Status: Haemoglobin levels are indicators of iron, vitamin
B12, and foliate deficiencies, which are essential for red blood cell production.
5. Maternal and Fatal Health Monitoring: During pregnancy, haemoglobin estimation
ensures proper oxygen supply to the developing foetus and helps prevent
complications like preterm birth or low birth weight.

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Pictorial view of the result

Plate 3.5:HB reader detecting result

21
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 Knowledge gained in the course of the training and the benefits of the
programme.

Knowledge Gained
1. SIWES equips students with hands-on experience in operating and managing
industry-specific equipment.
2. The program gives students a clear understanding of the routine processes and
workflows within the industry.
3. SIWES fosters essential workplace attributes, including proper work ethics and
professionalism.
Benefits Of The Programme
1. SIWES helps the students to gain typing skills, time management skills
2. Its Provides an avenue for students in Institutions of higher learning to acquire
industrial skills and experience in their respective courses of study.
3. Prepare students for the Industrial Work situation they are likely to experience after
graduation.

4.2 Challenges Encountered During SIWES

1. Insufficient backing from relevant stakeholders often hampers the effectiveness of the
program.
2. A lack of proper briefing and preparation leaves students ill-equipped to maximize
their learning opportunities.
3. Limited mentorship and oversight reduce the quality of training and skill acquisition.
4. The unmotivated attitude of some workers affects the overall productivity and
learning experience of students.

4.3 Summary
The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at Salthon Medical Care
and Maternity provided comprehensive exposure to diagnostic and laboratory
procedures. Over the course of the program, key skills in malaria testing, HIV
screening, blood grouping, random blood sugar analysis, and urinalysis were
developed. The hands-on experience enriched practical knowledge and honed

22
 technical expertise, offering valuable insights into medical laboratory operations and
patient-centered care.

4.4 Conclusion
The SIWES training at Salthon Medical Care and Maternity proved to be an
invaluable learning experience, bridging the gap between academic theory and
practical application. It cultivated critical skills essential for diagnostic procedures
and enhanced professional competence in healthcare services. This experience forms
a strong foundation for future contributions to the medical laboratory field.

4.5 Recommendations
1. Adequate funding and governmental support should be prioritized to ensure the
seamless execution of the SIWES program.
2. The ITF should strengthen partnerships between academic institutions, industries, and
government agencies to align SIWES with evolving industry demands and equip
students with relevant skills.
3. Integration of cutting-edge technologies into SIWES initiatives is essential to
familiarize students with contemporary tools and practices.
4. A systematic and periodic evaluation framework should be established to assess the
program's impact, identify areas for improvement, and adapt to changing industry
trends.
5. Industries should take an active role in shaping the SIWES curriculum, mentoring
students, and providing internship opportunities to foster mutual growth and bridge
the gap between education and the workforce.

23
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