The HHRP has established Research and clinical diagnostics laboratories that cover the areas of pathology, microbiology, molecular biology and Laboratory Systems. The laboratory has been in existence since January 2019 and has the following major equipment: QuantStudio 7 for Molecular biology work now used to run Taqman Array Cards, SARS-CoV2 testing, GeneXpert 14 module platform, BactAlert blood culture incubators, Microscan Walkaway automated culture, identification and Antibiotic susceptibility test system, Leica tissue processing platform, Leica slide scanner and ancillary equipment.
The studies being supported include CHAMPS, Maternal Infections Study (MIS), Acute Febrile Illness (AFI), Mortality due to bacterial infections resistant to antibiotics (MBIRA) and others coming on board from time to time. The laboratory also supports Public Health programs by identification and reporting of pathogens of public health significance and also supporting the testing of samples for SARS-CoV2.
The laboratory is staffed with highly qualified Laboratory scientists with qualifications ranging from Bachelor to Doctoral degrees. The laboratory is preparing to apply for ISO15189 accreditation mid this year and to College of American Pathologists certification next year.