This guest blog comes from CAMO-Net Uganda’s Sandra Naluyima, who reflects on how specialist LC-MS training at Imperial College London has been translated into practical impact at the Infectious Diseases Institute in Uganda. She explains how a newly developed and validated method is now being used to analyse patient samples from the TAP trial.
Following my CAMO-Net placement at Imperial College London, I returned home with a clear goal: to translate the skills and knowledge I had gained into practical impact within our laboratory. I am excited to share that this transition from training to implementation has been both successful and deeply rewarding.
Building on the LC-MS training I received under the mentorship of Dr Alaa Riek and the team, I worked on developing a robust analytical method for the simultaneous quantification of three key antibiotics in plasma: ceftriaxone, azithromycin and ciprofloxacin. What began as a learning experience abroad has now evolved into a fully functional method within our local setting at the Pharmacokinetics Unit, Laboratory Services, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University.
The process involved method development, optimisation and full validation. This required careful adjustment of sample preparation procedures, chromatographic conditions and instrument parameters to ensure accuracy, precision and reproducibility. Despite working in a different environment with its own resource limitations, the foundational skills I acquired during my placement enabled me to adapt effectively and troubleshoot challenges along the way.
I am pleased to report that the method has been successfully developed, optimised and validated, meeting the required analytical standards. This milestone marked an important transition from theory and training to real-world application.
The method is now being used to analyse patient samples generated through the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for Antimicrobial Agents for People Living with HIV (TAP) trial. Specifically, it is being used to analyse 50 patient samples for ceftriaxone, 226 for azithromycin and 209 for ciprofloxacin.
This phase is particularly meaningful because it directly contributes to generating data that can inform therapeutic drug monitoring and support improved patient care. Seeing the method applied to real patient samples reinforces the value of the training and highlights the impact of building local laboratory capacity.
Beyond the technical achievements, this experience has strengthened my confidence as a researcher and reinforced the importance of persistence, adaptability and continuous learning. It has also created opportunities to share knowledge within the team, contributing to a stronger and more capable laboratory environment.
Reflecting on this journey, I now see my CAMO-Net placement not just as a training opportunity, but as a catalyst for tangible impact. Successfully implementing and applying advanced analytical techniques in our setting demonstrates the power of knowledge transfer and collaboration.
For anyone considering a similar opportunity, remember: the true value of training lies in what you build with it afterwards.
