Department of Biomedical Sciences

The Department is headed by a scientist at PhD level. This Department was formerly known as the Laboratories Department. It provides laboratory support to the Institution’s research activities. The Department comprises eight (8) distinct units, namely, Biochemistry, Nutrition, Microbiology, Parasitology, Molecular Biology, Vector Biology, Haematology, and Immunology. Each unit is headed by a scientist with a minimum qualification of a Masters of Science degree. The activities in the various units are as follows:


Biochemistry.

This unit conducts tests such as Liver function tests, Blood glucose and Renal function tests

Nutrition.

Vitamin A and micronutrients such as zinc, selenium and iron are analysed in this unit.

Heamatology.

Analysis of blood for Full blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood grouping, sickling test, and electrophoresis for haemoglobinopathies is done in this unit.

Immunology.

This unit conducts HIV testing, CD4 count, and HIV viral load.

Parasitology.

Microscopic blood examination for blood parasites such as malaria parasites and human trypanosomes, urine examination for urinary parasites such as human urinary schistosomes and Trichomonas, and stool examination for gut parasites such as human intestinal schistosomes and soil transmitted helminthes are done in this unit.

Microbiology.

In this unit general microbiological tests such as gram staining, specimen culturing and drug sensitivity and water analysis for faecal contamination are conducted. In addition tuberculosis sputum examination, culturing, and drug sensitivity are also done.

Vector Biology.

Studies on malaria and schistosomiasis vectors are conducted in this unit.

Molecular Biology.

Application of molecular techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of malaria and detection of mutations associated with resistance to antimalarials and anti-TB drugs is done in this unit.