Hacha Labs

04/02/2025

The importance of medical laboratories in addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs).

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are critical public health challenges, particularly in regions like Zambia. AMR occurs when microorganisms evolve to resist the effects of medications, rendering standard treatments ineffective and leading to persistent infections. HAIs, also known as nosocomial infections, are infections that develop 48 hours or more after hospitalization or within 30 days after receiving care. Notably, pathogens responsible for HAIs are among the leading causes of AMR-related deaths globally.

Global and Zambian Context

In 2019, bacterial AMR was associated with approximately 4.95 million deaths worldwide. In Zambia, a 2022 study estimated around 242,000 HAIs annually, resulting in approximately 25,100 excess deaths each year. The case fatality rate for HAIs in Zambia was estimated at 6.9%, with AMR contributing to higher mortality rates.

The Critical Role of Medical Laboratories

Medical laboratories are pivotal in combating AMR and HAIs through:
1. Screening: Laboratories can identify patients harbouring resistant HAI pathogens before admission or surgery, enabling the implementation of stringent infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
2. Detection: By identifying pathogens and determining their susceptibility or resistance to antibiotics, laboratories guide effective patient management within healthcare facilities.
3. Surveillance: Conducting surveillance of HAIs allows laboratories to determine the prevalence of resistant infections, facilitate IPC measures, detect outbreaks, and assess the impact of interventions.
Advancements in Diagnostic Technologies

Recent developments, such as rapid sepsis tests, have the potential to significantly reduce the time required to identify pathogens and determine effective treatments, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Conclusion

Strengthening medical laboratory capacities is essential to mitigate the public health threats posed by AMR and HAIs. By enhancing screening, detection, and surveillance capabilities, laboratories can play a transformative role in improving patient outcomes and safeguarding public health.

21/11/2024

Microscope...
The microscope is one of the most revolutionary tools in medical laboratory diagnostics, playing a crucial role in enhancing the accuracy and reliability of various tests. Every medical laboratory should prioritize having a microscope as an essential instrument for pathogen identification, a**lysis, and quality control of other diagnostic procedures.

Key Uses of the Microscope in the Laboratory:
1. Pathogen Identification and Analysis: Critical for detecting and studying microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
2. Semen Analysis: Used in fertility assessments by evaluating s***m count, motility, and morphology.
3. Full Blood Count (FBC) Quality Control: Assists in cross-verifying automated hematology a**lyzers by enabling the manual examination of blood smears.
4. Quality Control in Staining Procedures: Evaluates the effectiveness of staining techniques, such as Gram staining and acid-fast staining.
5. Training and Research: Provides a foundation for teaching laboratory techniques and conducting scientific studies.

Hacha Labs we understand that a well-maintained microscope is indispensable in any medical laboratory, ensuring high diagnostic standards and improving patient care outcomes.
&wellbeing

11/10/2024

Stay Informed: Mpox!

As mpox continues to affect communities worldwide, let's stay vigilant and informed!
Zambia has recorded a first case of Mpox disease.

What is mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that spreads through:

1. Direct Contact: Physical contact with an infected person's:
- Rash or blisters
- Lesions or sores
- Infected bodily fluids (e.g., blood, pus)

2. Intimate Contact: Close, personal interactions, including:
- S*x (vaginal, a**l, oral)
- Kissing
- Cuddling
- Sharing bedding or towels

3. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Physical contact with an infected person's skin, including:
- Shaking hands
- Hugging
- Sharing personal items (e.g., razors, towels)


4. Contact with contaminated surfaces and Infected animals

Symptoms:

> Fever

> Headache

> Muscle aches

> Rash or blisters

Share this post to spread awareness!

30/09/2024

*Healthy Living: It's More Than Just Exercise and Nutrition!*

When we think of healthy living, we often focus on exercise and eating right. But there's a crucial third piece to the puzzle: regular health checks, including medical laboratory tests!

Why do Regular Checks Matter?

1. Early detection of hidden health issues
2. Prevention of chronic diseases
3. Monitoring of existing conditions
4. Personalized health advice
5. Peace of mind!

Medical Laboratory Tests: The Unsung Heroes!

Lab tests help:

1. Diagnose diseases accurately
2. Monitor treatment effectiveness
3. Identify genetic risks
4. Detect infections
5. Inform personalized treatment plans

Don't wait until it's too late, schedule your an appointment with Hacha Labs!

26/09/2024

Get Tested, Know Your Status!

S*xually Transmitted Infections (STIs) affect millions worldwide. Protect yourself and your loved ones!

Why STI Screening Matters:

1. Prevents unintended pregnancies
2. Reduces risk of infertility
3. Cuts cancer risk (e.g., HPV-related cancers)
4. Protects newborns from congenital infections
5. Saves lives!

Common STIs include:

1. Chlamydia
2. Gonorrhea
3. Syphilis
4. HIV
5. Herpes
6. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Who Should Get Tested?:

1. S*xually active individuals
2. Those with new partners
3. Pregnant women
4. Individuals with symptoms (e.g., discharge, pain)

*Get Tested, Stay Safe!*

Visit Hacha Labs for confidential STI screening.

*xualHealth

16/09/2024

Stay Healthy with Regular Blood Tests!

Have you had your full blood count (FBC) test recently?

An FBC test is a simple blood test that provides valuable information about your overall health. It measures different components of your blood, including:

Red blood cells (RBCs)
White blood cells (WBCs)
Platelets
Hemoglobin (Hb)
Hematocrit (Hct)

Regular FBC tests can help:

Detect anemia, infection, or inflammation
Monitor chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease
Identify potential bleeding disorders
Track the effectiveness of treatments

Don't wait until it's too late! Schedule your FBC test today with Hacha Labs and stay on top of your health!

Share with friends and family to remind them to prioritize their health!

04/09/2024

"Take Care of Your Kidneys!

Did you know that your kidneys filter over 200 quarts of blood every day?

If you're at risk for kidney disease or have concerns about your kidney health, visit Hacha labs to get tested!

Laboratory tests like:

- Serum Creatinine
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Urinalysis
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

can help detect kidney problems early on.

28/08/2024

Worthy taking Note...

Stress can cause:

❤️‍🩹 headaches
❤️‍🩹 neck and shoulder pain
❤️‍🩹 lack of appetite
❤️‍🩹 back pain
❤️‍🩹 a heavy chest
❤️‍🩹 tight muscles
❤️‍🩹 an upset stomach

Pausing, breathing, and reflecting through slow breathing techniques can help to reduce stress.

31/05/2024

We are Hiring!!

Hacha Labs is looking for 2 part time Biomedical Technologist to join our team in Kapiri Mposhi.

Qualifications:

1. Be in possession of a Valid HPCZ Practicing License.
2. 6 months minimum experience.
3. Able to work with minimal supervision.
4. Must have basic knowledge of laboratory quality management systems (QMS) and laboratory safety.
5. Must be responsible and have good communication skills

Note: Deadline is 7th June, 2024.

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Kindly send your typed application letter and CV to the email address below:

[email protected]

Best wishes.......

20/05/2024

About Hypertension!

1. Check your pressure before it checks you.”
“Hypertension is a silent killer, but awareness can be a lifesaver.”

2. High blood pressure doesn't always give you a warning, so be proactive about your health.”

3. Hypertension can lead to the rupture of blood vessels and also cause organ damage such as the heart, brain, kidney etc

03/05/2024

About a Full Blood count and Differential count!

These two test are not definitive tests.

A blood count usually doesn't give all the answers about a diagnosis. Instead it gives an overall picture of the blood components, it looks at the different cells in the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Changes in these cells may suggest an infection/disease/condition. Therefore the full and differential blood count is mostly accompanied with other diagnostic tests.

Visit Hacha Labs for more information.

25/04/2024

World Malaria Day 2024.

We can prevent malaria by avoiding mosquito bites as follows;

1. Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. The recommended repellent contains 20-35% percent N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET).

2. Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants if you are outdoors at night.

3. Use a mosquito net over the bed if your bedroom is not air-conditioned or screened.

4. Treat the mosquito net with the insecticide permethrin.Spray an insecticide or repellent on clothing, as mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.

5. Spray pyrethrin or a similar insecticide in your bedroom before going to bed.

Laboratory Diagnostic tests include;

> Malaria Rapid Diagnostic tests (RDT)

> Malaria blood smear - microscopy

> PCR

> and additional tests such as Full blood count.

If you are experiencing any signs and symptoms for Malaria visit your nearest health facility.

24/04/2024

Thrombosis!

There two types of thrombosis which are;

1. Arterial thrombosis - when a blood clot forms in an artery. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of your body. Arterial thrombosis is the most common cause of heart attacks and strokes.

2. Venous thrombosis - this is when a blood clot forms in a vein. Veins carry blood back to the heart from the body. Venous thrombosis is the most common cause of a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs).

Diagnosis:

1. Imaging tests -

> Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),

> Ultrasound,

>X-rays of your blood vessels (angiogram or venogram)

2. Blood tests -

> Blood components (e.g platelets and chemical compounds especially ones that affect clotting),

> Clot-formation markers,

>Heart damage markers such as troponin, a protein in muscle cells.

Visit Hacha Labs for more information.

23/04/2024

Let's take a look at Thrombosis!

What is Thrombosis?
It is a serious condition where one or more blood clots form in the blood vessels or heart.

How does it happen?

Thrombosis happens when there is damage to the inner lining of the blood vessel (endothelium) or if blood flow is slowed. In either case, cells in the blood start to stick together when they shouldn’t. If there is normal hemostasis, the platelets form a blood clot to stop the bleeding and later disolve the clot.

But in some instances under certain Medical conditions the clot formed does not dissolve hence forming a blood clot (thrombus).

This may form from clumps of blood clotting components and potentially get bigger. It may also break away and travel through your bloodstream until it gets stuck in a smaller blood vessel (embolus) in any organ of the body such as heart and cause a heart attack.

See next post for more details

22/04/2024

A clean environment keeps microorganisms away!!

Tips for food safety!

Keep your leftover food at safe temperatures ❄️

Microorganisms can multiply very quickly if food is stored at room temperature.

19/04/2024

Viral suppression is possible!

Viral suppression also known as undetectable viral load it is defined as having less than 200 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood. This is confirmed by laboratory test "Viral load".

Viral suppression can be achieved by adhering to Antiretroviral therapy (ARVs).The ARVs keeps HIV from making copies of itself.

17/04/2024

Good health and wellbeing is not just dependant on medication but a coupling of a healthy lifestyle and diet.

17/04/2024

What Is a F***l Occult Blood Test (FOBT)?

A Non-Invasive Way to Check for Blood in the Stool. The blood in the stool that's not visible to the naked eye, known as occult blood.
Blood in stool indicates that there's likely bleeding somewhere in the digestive tract, which can be a symptom of several conditions like colon polyps, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, an ulcer, an inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer.

There three common types of f***l occult blood tests.

1. Guaiac smear test (gFOBT)

2. F***l immunochemical test (FIT), also known as an immunochemical f***l occult blood test (iFOBT).

3. Flushable reagent pad