27/03/2024
March 26, 2024
By: Karl Arac
As we were about to close the chapter of our journey in HCU, it is only right to showcase all the learnings that we have acquired during the past 26 days of our stay here in Thailand. This was demonstrated through the central laboratory activity prepared by HCU. The Central Laboratory is a simulation of an actual laboratory in which we were tasked to assume the role of medical technologists and solve 4 case studies within our group. Together with Maxine, we were assigned to tackle case study number 1.
It was a challenging and tedious task as our case involved bacterial identification in the CSF of a 2-year-old child due to a nosocomial infection 8 days after her neurosurgery. Since microbiology tests require days of incubation, Ajahn Yui had prepared gram stain, culture media, biochemical tests, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests beforehand. Chemistry tests such as CSF protein and glucose were also conducted in advance. We first examined the gram stain, which revealed gram-negative coccobacilli (3+). Then, we checked for growth on MacConkey Agar (MAC), Blood Agar (BAP), and Chocolate Agar (CAP). All media showed signs of growth, with BAP exhibiting γ-hemolysis and MAC indicating non-lactose fermentation. Next, we performed biochemical tests while conducting cell count simultaneously. After analyzing and interpreting the results, all signs pointed to Acinetobacter baumannii. Checking the zone of inhibition in the antimicrobial susceptibility test was done afterwards. Since all data were available, we correlated the results and concluded bacterial meningitis as the clinical condition, with Acinetobacter baumannii identified as the source of infection. Thankfully, Ajahn Yui guided us through all the steps we performed, especially during CSF cell count, as it was our first time handling such a specimen.
The afternoon session was spent presenting and discussing each case study under the supervision of dean Sucha, Dr. Nontawit, Dr. Penpak, Dr. Panjaphorn (Yui), and Dr. Panupong. We were grateful for their presence and guidance as they generously allocated their precious time to teach us passionately and correct our shortcomings, enabling us to learn and avoid making the same mistakes as we venture into the world of Medical Technology.