JCRC laboratory started operation in 1992 together with the JCRC with the main focus on HIV/AIDS testing; its test menu has since developed to a number of tests that are readily available for our clients serving the different Regional Centres of Excellency of JCRC.
Highly specialized laboratories are present in all JCRC facilities across the country to support regular clinical care, research and advanced HIV management. These laboratories are able to perform most routine medical tests as well as advanced HIV management and research processes.
A biohazard containment level 3 (P3 level) has been completed and now fully functional at JCRC headquarters in Lubowa. It is among the only two facilities in the country with the capability at this level so far. It is housed in the new 1,250 sq. ft. modern facility, which also houses reference laboratories for Clinical Chemistry, Tuberculosis, Hematology, Immunology and Flow cytometry, Molecular biology, Virology, and Microbiology.
All laboratories are registered with external quality assurance schemes, and have consistently maintained internationally recognised standards of quality.
JCRC laboratories are accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) since 2017, and recertification is done biennially with very comprehensive self-assessment annually. These is to ensure the safety of both clients who utilize the laboratory services and staff who work in these laboratories to maintain very higher quality standards.
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) system that manages all laboratory activities from test request and information, results to storage information. This system is linked to other support systems NAVISION dynamic and ICEA with aim of ease work and capturing all the clinical, laboratory and financial data real-time.
Maintaining the rigorous quality requirements, and keeping up a culture of continuous learning makes JCRC the partner of choice to undertake Laboratory-based endeavours. At various levels within JCRC laboratories, scientists are thoroughly trained and highly experienced, including scientists at PhD level. The intellectual property of the laboratories is significant, with contributions to hundreds of publications, and influencing policy at the national level.
Members of the technical staff sit on various national advisory committees and sub-committees at the ministry of Health. JCRC Laboratory staff participated in the development of national; Laboratory Policy, Laboratory strategic Plan, Quality assurance management system, laboratory mentorship plan and the Strengthening Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation (SLMTA) Training and follow up of trainees.
In addition, JCRC staff participated in the review of Laboratory Technology Training Curricula for Certificate and Diploma courses. Working with the Central Public Health Laboratories (CPHL), JCRC through Targeted HIV/AIDS and Laboratories services (THALAS) project supported and effected performance improvement of the supported public health labs through the SLMTA approach up to Star 2 level.
As members of the Laboratory equipment and Infrastructure subcommittee of the Laboratory Technical and Advisory Committee of MOH – the JCRC team participated in the standardizing of laboratory equipment, supplies and infrastructural designs for public laboratories at gazetted health delivery levels.
JCRC laboratory staff also participated in developing registration guidelines now in use by the Allied Health Professionals’ Council (AHPC) in registering and monitoring health laboratories in the country.
Products being produced by the Laboratory – De Egre De Ionized water. From 5L to 20L denominations
Laboratory Test Menu – All Tests offered, Provide a brief and then an excel or word document having all the tests done
Laboratory Test Menu
The laboratory offers a vast test menu. Some of the common tests include: COVID Tests, HIV Rapid, HIV RNA, CBC/Diff, LFTS, RFTS, URINE HCG, HIV Resistance tests, etc. — Provide a link to the full list of tests offered by the lab (attachment on headed paper and stamped by authorities)
Turn Around Time Schedule – TAT
The laboratory monitors and ensures the test TAT is adhered to throughout the Year. The Graphs below show TAT for the years 2019 and 2020. 2020 TAT was mostly affected by the Virus induced lockdown which caused the lab to work at 30% capacity.
