The main objectives of the clinical laboratories are to provide ‘safety testing’ and clinical support to a wide range of clinical studies and trials. The laboratories have contributed to large international studies such as the DART and ARROW trials, vaccine preparedness studies and microbicide trials, as well as a number of self –standing studies run by the MRC Unit in Uganda. Clinical support is provided to both research studies and health care services that are given in the context of research. Additionally the laboratory provides places for local University students on work experience and practical laboratory support for student project’s and research as part of BSc, MSc and PhD qualifications.

There are three major MRC laboratories established in Uganda. The major central laboratory is located in Entebbe, in the grounds of the Uganda Virus Research Institute. The laboratory has separate specialist disciplines comprising of haematology, biochemistry, serology and microbiology/ molecular diagnostics, each headed by a senior technologist. The main specimen storage archives are also located in Entebbe. The Masaka laboratory operates as a multidiscipline laboratory providing automated haematology, biochemistry and CD4 counts. HIV serology is provided through rapid testing with confirmatory testing done at Entebbe. It provides important support for vaccine and microbicide

The third laboratory is situated in Kyamulibwa in a rural setting. This is also a multidisciplinary laboratory with automated haematology and CD4 counts together with a comprehensive microbiology and parasitological service. This laboratory provides support to MRC rural population studies. The Masaka and Kyamulibwa laboratories are supported by the Entebbe laboratory in terms of confirmatory and referral testing as well as logistics.

The main testing methods provided through the laboratories include automated haematology (full and differential blood counts), automated biochemistry and CD4 counts. The serology section in Entebbe provides a range of serological testing, mainly by enzyme immune assays, including HIV confirmation, HIV p24 antigen, hepatitis serology and HSV2.  more