Picking up from where we left off…
Once the blood arrived at the NIPHL from the field via the Blood Taxi, one of two things happened.
1. For the blood collected in the 4.5 mL tubes containing the EDTA: a complete blood count (CBC) was conducted. This provides information on the total number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets present in a person’s bloodstream. The red portion undergoes gel electrophoresis for hemoglobinopathy testing. This separates proteins in the blood so that the amount and type of hemoglobin can be determined. Low levels of hemoglobin indicate anemia.
2. For the blood collected in the 7 mL trace element free tube: the samples were prepped and sent to UBC. Researchers at UBC will be performing a serum analysis to trace ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, serum retinol (vitamin A) and carotenoids (another form of Vitamin A), and zinc. The data collected should provide us with a clear picture of how much iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12, folate, and zinc was present in a woman’s diet before and after we introduced HFP and aquaculture. These biochemical indicators will allow us to quantify some of the results of our intervention.
Here are some pictures I took in the lab:
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- Brrrr! The freezer where the samples are kept.
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- Samples in the freezer.
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- Sample labels so the right ones make their way to UBC
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- A machine used for the complete blood count.
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- Data produced in the form of graphs from the CBC.
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- A centrifuge in the lab.
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- The inside of the centrifuge.