KISII UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOCHEMISTRY PRACTICAL MANUAL FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS OF
BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND BACHELOR OF SURGERY (MBChB)
BACHELOR OF PHARMACY (B PHARM)
ACADEMIC YEAR: 2024/2025
INTRODUCTION
The experiments described in this manual have been compiled for students
undertaking the degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
and Bachelor of Pharmacy (B Pharm) by the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Kisii
University.
The experiments will supplement lectures in biochemistry that will be given during the
academic year.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF PRACTICALS IN BIOCHEMISTRY
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Follow biochemical procedures to obtain relevant data.
2. Interpret data from a biochemical experiment.
3. Write a concise logical report based on laboratory findings
4. Assess the application(s) and limitation(s) of common biochemical tests in
diagnosis of disease.
5. Correctly measure the volume of liquids and operate simple equipment.
6. Relate the practicals carried out to the theory covered in lectures.
7. Carry out simple biochemical calculations.
8. Appreciate the role of control experiments in acquisition of relevant laboratory
data.
9. Determine biochemical technique(s) to be deployed in solving biochemical
problems.
Safety
Safe practices in the biochemistry laboratory are of great significance. Students must
adopt safe and skillful methods while working in the lab. To achieve this goal the
student must obtain the prerequisite knowledge of properties of materials present in
the lab and must be acquainted with different hazards and harmful effects associated
with their improper handling.
Precautions
1. You must come to the laboratory with a serious awareness of personal liability
and utmost consideration for others.
2. You must listen carefully to all the instructions given by your instructor. If you
are unsure of anything, always ask.
3. You must immediately clean all chemical spills.
4. While handling all electrical and heating equipment extra precautions must be
taken to prevent shocks and burns.
5. Do not handle broken glassware with your bare hands.
DIRECTIONS FOR PRACTICAL LABORATORY CLASSES AND GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS
Before starting any experiment, the student should read the instructions carefully,
paying attention to all details, and should be quite certain about what he is trying to
do.
In the case of qualitative tests, the quantities recommended are only approximate, but
it should be appreciated that gross deviations from the recommended proportions of
reagents and test materials may invalidate the test.
In the quantitative experiments, the routine must be rigidly followed, and quantities
measured accurately. For this purpose, a measuring cylinder, for example, is usually
quite inadequate because the graduation near the base may be very inaccurate.
Accurate measurement of volume may be made by either burette or pipette. These
are most accurate when measurements are made between two calibration marks.
The results of an experiment and the conclusions to be drawn from it should be written
in ink, in a laboratory notebook, as soon as possible after the conclusion of the
experiment. The section on results should include a full account of all observations.
Laboratory rules
1. Do not eat, drink, chew or smoke in the laboratory.
2. Do not replace any solution in a reagent bottle; take only the minimum amount
required.
3. Replace the stopper immediately a solution has been taken from a bottle and take
care not to mix stoppers.
4. Do not remove a bottle of special reagents from side shelves to laboratory
benches.
5. Do not pipette by mouth.
6. Always use clean apparatus. Good results are only obtained with clean apparatus:
many erroneous results are due to dirty apparatus.
7. Immediately inform your instructor in case of any accident.
8. Do not depart from the lab leaving an experiment unattended. If you need to
leave the lab, you must inform your instructor.
9. After finishing the experiment turn off all the equipment, clean your workbench
and reshelf all equipment or chemicals.
10. Dispose all waste materials appropriately in the waste boxes provided and not into
sinks.
11. Not sticking to these rules will result in instant removal from the lab.
Personal clothing
Selection of clothing for the laboratory is generally left to the discretion of the student.
However, due to the harmful nature of some chemicals, it is in the best interest of the
student to wear proper and suitable clothing.
You must wear a lab coat to help keep clothes protected.
Open toed shoes MUST NOT be worn because they cannot protect you
against chemical spills.
Long hair should be tied back to avoid interference with motion or
observation.
Equipment and Glassware Handling
Equipment must be placed in a safe and secure manner.
Glassware in the lab is generally delicate and fragile, and if not handled
properly, may cause serious injuries.
Do not use any chipped or broken glassware.
After finishing the experiment, all glassware must be cleaned and kept back at
the proper place.
Acids and Bases
In laboratory experiments, you will be using different acids and bases. Hence,
care must be taken to avoid skin contact.
While handling these chemicals, avoid eye and face contact.
In case of acid or base contact with your skin, wash it with large amounts of
clean, cold water and inform your instructor immediately.
Laboratory Notebooks
For all laboratory experiments, use a notebook to keep record of all primary data and
observations. Guidelines to be followed:
1. Carry your notebook to the lab for each experiment.
2. Mention each measured quantity by its name and indicate the units.
3. Do not depend on your memory and write down all observations, for example
color and phase changes, etc.
Guidelines for preparing Laboratory reports
All laboratory reports are expected to be well written in English. The reports should
contain all the sections. Follow the guidelines for each section:
Name and Registration Number
Title
Aim/Objectives
Introduction
Equipment/Materials/Reagents
Procedure (MUST BE IN PAST TENSE)
Results
Discussion (Include clinical significance where necessary)
Conclusion
Recommendations (If needed)
References
PRACTICAL 1: APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT MOSTLY USED IN
BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY
