I am Sakina Adamu Ciroma, a medical laboratory scientist, an ARISE secondee trained on work package 3.
My secondment experience was at Health and Technology research centre (HTRC), Escola de superio Technologia de Saude de Lisbon-Instituto politecnico de Lisbon (ESTEL) IPL Portugal from April-May 2024.
Under work package 3 is improving the quality and capacity of laboratory diagnostic testing services for population screening, first few days of my secondment period started with some compulsory online courses, which include
-Good clinical practice(GCP)
-Good laboratory practice(GLP)
-Basic molecular biology module 1-Basic science
-Basic molecular biology module 2-Laboratory practice
-Basic molecular biology module 3-Nucleic Acid extraction
-Basic molecular biology module 4-PCR and Real Time PCR
The courses were really arduous but was conquered at last and certificates were awarded, the online courses made me prepared for the task ahead.
During my training period, I gained practical and theoretical experience on IEF which is my main assignment
-ISO electric focusing gel electrophoresis, I learnt step by step procedure of the test, from sample arrangement, sample extraction, gel preparation, staining of gel and result interpretation. The most interesting part observing how the test is done and participated in it.
I also had the privilege of learning DNA extraction and malaria parasite detection using the PCR method.
At the end of the training I had one last online course and also got a certificate on routine microscopy procedure, hopefully the techniques and skills I had will be beneficial at my workplace and will also do a step down training to my colleagues so as to pass on the knowledge.
Finally, I want to appreciate Professor Miguel Brito for his words of encouragement and understanding, also to Catarina for her excellent commitments and also providing the theory and practical assistance needed, making sure everyone is carried along, she is well grounded.
My stay was a memorable one, my colleagues and I were able to explore and went to famous places in and around Lisbon.
Lastly I remained thankful to the ARISE team for given me this opportunity, to my hosting institution and sending institution, Niger State Hospitals Management Board, Niger state.
