KNUST Trains Health Science Technicians in Pathological Specimen Potting
The School of Medical Sciences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has trained eight technicians from the College of Health Sciences in potting pathological specimens.
The training workshop, held from June 18 to 20 at the School’s Medical Museum, is part of efforts to build in-house capacity for preparing and preserving specimens used in medical education.
Dr. Bernard Petershie, a lecturer in the Department of Pathology, said the training marks a shift from relying on external sources to preparing specimen pots internally.
“Before this, we had to get specimen pots from places like Korle Bu Teaching Hospital or the University of Cape Coast. At times, we even had to borrow them,” he said.
With the new skills acquired, technicians will now support the School’s ability to produce and maintain its own teaching materials, particularly preserved human organs used for pathology instruction.
Head of the Department of Pathology, Prof. Nicholas Titiloye, expressed optimism about the outcome of the training. “I hope that with the training, we’ll be able to fill all the shelves in the museum with the newly made pots,” he said.
The Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, Prof. Akwasi Antwi Kusi, commended the Pathology Department for the initiative.
He noted that it comes at a fitting time, as the School prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary on October 3, 2025.
The training also opens opportunities for other departments, such as Anatomy, Veterinary Medicine, and Pharmacy, to preserve various types of specimens for their academic and research needs.
Dr. Petershie added that the School intends to share some of the output with nursing colleges and regional health institutions to support medical education beyond KNUST.
The training was led by Mr. Eric Kwesi Koomson from the University of Cape Coast.
