Under the Microscope

In anticipation of starting a small laboratory in the CONASPEH clinics, I realized that my skills as a lab technician are, well, basic at best.

Thanks to some connections made by friends in North Hampden, Massachusetts, I was able to establish a relationship with collegues at GHESKIO, Haiti's one and only research hospital which specializes in HIV and TB diagnosis and treatment, prenatal care and new-born nutrition, as well as other infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Through this connection I was given the opportunity to shadow some of the laboratory technicians, learning about procedures, observing technique, and studying the diagnostic appearance of pathogens under the microscope.

Today was my first day.

I arrived a little nervous. When I met with physician collegues, they asked again, "now what is it that you want out of this experience?" Well, essentially I need to know what it takes to diagnose Malaria, rapid screen TB and recognize the wiggly trouble makers in a stool sample.

Today I was escorted from one station to another in the GHESKIO lab, learning about the process and technique required for each diagnostic study. The lab technician students proudly stood and told me detail by detail how to effectlvely run each test including how many microns to pippette, how to record names and numbers, the use of controls and the verification of positives. In a day, I was introduced to how to do tests for Syphylis, HIV, Malaria, and GI parasites.

I was most impressed on how professionally each and every lab technician there presented their work, the process involved for doing a correct evaluation, and their patience with my own learning endeavors.

I haven't often found a medical community of willing teachers here in Haiti. Sometimes it seems that everyone is burried in their own project and not wanting to play nice in the name of networking or sharing of ideas. But today was different. As one lab supervisor put it, "Anyone who is here to help the people of Haiti, well, we will help them do what they need to do." And she did. And I"m greatful.