Abubacarr Janneh

• Specimen reception and checking for discrepancies: Experience gained in identifying minimum requirements needed for specimens to be accepted in the histology laboratory. These requirements include a patient’s identity including, name, date of birth, gender, address, and the condition in which the specimen is delivered (if in an adequate proportion of formalin).
• Appropriate waste disposal: Experienced in disposing of waste according to the laboratory SOP.
• Cassette labelling: Experienced in identifying the perfect cassette type for the tissue to be dissected and established an understanding of the fact this might be done differently in different laboratories.
• Scribing: Skilled in assisting the BMS/Pathologist with scribing during the dissection with full attention to detail and carefully watching the person to make sure what is dictated is what is done.
• Sample processing: Experience gained in different types of solutions used for dehydration and clearing during sample processing and the role of each solution.
• Embedding: Extensive knowledge gained in orientation techniques and importance during embedding. Ability to embed 22 specimen blocks in 15 minutes. Competent in informing a senior if any unusual circumstance unfolds during embedding. For example, having multiple tissues in a cassette that does not match the request form. Extensively skilled in re-embedding.
• Microtomy: Skilled in microtomy with the ability to trim and section 23 blocks on average per hour without tampering with the quality of a sample. Ability to operate automated and manual microtome and troubleshoot in making sure that high-quality sections are produced without carryover, folds, lifting or scores. Skilled in cutting different tissue types. For example, biopsies, skin, fatty and calcified tissues. Ability to use decalcification solution for hard tissues when necessary.
• Tissue staining: Hands-on experience in performing automated and manual H&E staining. with knowledge of the theory behind each stage of the process.
• Block checking: Capable of performing block checking to ascertain if a full face has been attained, that there was no lifting, no scores, no carryover and that a slide was properly labelled against the corresponding block.
• Reagent preparation and changing: Ability to check and/or prepare reagents, if necessary, before carrying out any sample processing.
• Microscopy: Ability to focus microscope to check the quality of staining.
• Pathologist request: Ability to act on any request from a pathologist. For example, a request to do a deeper cut which may be because the pathologist was unable did not get the site of interest on the already stained section provided to him. Capable of cutting levels and spares as per pathologist’s request.
• Time management: Ability to manage time to achieve good turnaround time as human patients’ samples are dealt with.
• Health and Safety: Ability to observe occupational health and safety to always keep myself and lab colleagues safe.
• Effective communication: gained experience in how to effectively communicate for business continuity and smooth running of the lab.
• Teamwork: Trained and experienced in the importance of teamwork in attaining excellence in the laboratory and the organization.

Experience gained at MRCG@LSHTM was into two main areas.

1. In clinical labs, competently worked on routine clinical samples. Role Performed the following,

• Performed phlebotomy
• Slide preparation
• Staining
• Full Blood Count (FBC)
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
• Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs)
• Microscopy (blood, urine and stool)
• Urinalysis
• Record keeping
• Data entry
• Health and Safety
• Quality control
• Following SOPs.

2. In Research labs, Worked around Study Specific Procedures which were different from one study to another. However, main duties include,

• Performed sample reception
• Performed sample processing
• Performed sample storage and retrieval
• Performed Nucleic acid extraction (DNA & RNA) from different sample types using different techniques
• Performed quantification,
• Performed phlebotomy,
• Performed urine titration
• Performed DBS preparation
• Performed plasma separation
• Observed Health and Safety measures
• Performed balance calibration
• Established quality control
• Performed Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Increased note-taking and reporting.

• Sample reception management managed over 10,000 backlog samples managed Haemoglobin (Hb) tests using Haemocue Dried blood spot (DBS) preparation RNA extraction from breast milk using special techniques Laboratory supply, inventory, and management Laboratory supervision Training interns

• Sample shipment Protocol compliance Malaria slide preparation Adherence to Study Specific Procedures (SSP) Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Monitoring storage temperatures Organising team meetings Smooth study operations Weekend on-call duties

• Accuracy and traceability in sample handling Daily balance calibration Performed daily temperature monitoring of 52 fridges/freezers twice a day Quality control Urine titration Aliquoting Team meeting updates Study progress contribution

• And responsibilities Sample reception management Sample logging to REDcap Sample labelling using Brady barcode printer Sample storage with item tracker Ensuring sample quality and integrity Plasma separation managed to perform DNA extraction 100 samples per day on average from saliva and blood DNA quantification using Nano-drop Teamwork Flexibility Open communication with supervisor