The Department of Nursing Technologies at the Polytechnic College – Al-Qadisiyah held a scientific course titled Techniques of Laboratory Examination of Parasites. The course was presented by Assistant Professor Ghanem Oweis, Head of the Department, Assistant Professor Dr. Thanaa Ismail, and Assistant Lecturer Wi’am Abbas, aiming to provide participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for diagnosing medically and veterinary significant parasites using modern and traditional laboratory techniques.
The course covered various scientific topics, including the identification of different types of parasites such as protozoa, worms, and arthropods, their life cycles, methods of collecting various samples such as stool, blood, urine, and tissues, as well as their preservation mechanisms. Additionally, it included methods of direct and indirect microscopic examination of parasites.
The course also explained techniques such as Sedimentation & Flotation, the use of specific stains like Giemsa stain and modified Ziehl–Neelsen stain, along with blood tests for blood parasites like malaria and leishmaniasis. Furthermore, it introduced the basic principles of immunological and molecular tests (ELISA and PCR) in parasite diagnosis.
The course emphasized biosafety procedures and quality control in laboratories, as they play a fundamental role in ensuring result accuracy and protecting laboratory personnel.
The course outcomes included equipping trainees with the ability to diagnose parasites with laboratory precision, enhancing the efficiency of workers in medical and veterinary laboratories, improving the ability to distinguish between parasites and contaminants, and supporting preventive efforts in controlling parasitic diseases.