Laboratory Operational Team

Dr Zinhle Makatini

Accomplishments over the past Accomplishments over the past yearyear Initiated contract with Lancet Lab for:Initiated contract with Lancet Lab for:

- CD4, HIV RNA, CD4, HIV RNA, - routine safety labs, routine safety labs, - repository lab and sample transportrepository lab and sample transport

Established procedures for:Established procedures for:- Phlebotomy (pre- and post-test counselling)- HIV and pregnancy rapid testing- Blood smears- Sample processing and shipping

Trained lab personnel at 1 Mil and Trained lab personnel at 1 Mil and MtubatubaMtubatuba

Tasks for Upcoming YearTasks for Upcoming Year

Evaluate composition of Laboratory TeamEvaluate composition of Laboratory Team

Develop transition strategy for funding Develop transition strategy for funding Lancet ContractLancet Contract

Re-evaluate opportunity for development Re-evaluate opportunity for development of enhanced laboratory capability within of enhanced laboratory capability within SAMHS – beginning with sample repositorySAMHS – beginning with sample repository

Composition of Laboratory Composition of Laboratory TeamTeam Current Members of Lab Operational Team:Current Members of Lab Operational Team:

South AfricaSouth Africa USAUSA- Dr Z Makatini (Chair)Dr Z Makatini (Chair) Dr Robin Dewar (Mentor)Dr Robin Dewar (Mentor)- Dr MJ Mphahlele Dr MJ Mphahlele Ms Julie MetcalfMs Julie Metcalf- Dr L Webber - Dr L Webber Ms Helene Highbarger Ms Helene Highbarger

Phidisa Lab Staff:Phidisa Lab Staff:

-- Director (1)Director (1)-- Deputy Director (1) - vacantDeputy Director (1) - vacant- Lab assistants (12) – 8 vacant

Transition Strategy for Transition Strategy for Funding Lancet ContractFunding Lancet Contract

Current Status – HJF administers funding of the Lancet contract

Preparation for change – Scientific Application International Corporation (SAIC) to administer funding for the Lancet

Transition from HJF to SAIC projected to take 3-4 months

Line of communication for Lancet Laboratory will continue to go through the Phidisa Laboratory Director Dr Z Makatini

Lab Infrastructure at SAMHSLab Infrastructure at SAMHS

Creation of a repository within the SAMHS is the next most important task.

Requirements

- Building permits - Operational

- Facility- Personnel- Data base

Lab Research Proposals

• Discordant couples• HIV Genotyping• Predictive value of lab markers:

– Hemoglobin– Total lymphocyte count– Weight

Phidisa Laboratory Budget for Fiscal Year ending June 2005*

Clinic Labs SAR 350,000Site visits SAR 70,000Meetings SAR 45,000Lancet contract SAR 10,250,000Repository SAR 7,000,000

*Does not include personnel & genotyping costs

Laboratory Requests for:

Operational Teams Please work with the Lab Director to:

- Identify lab-dedicated staff.- Establish the patient flow scheme

for each site.- Train clinical staff on laboratory

specific issues.

Concluding Remarks

• With the upcoming implementation of new protocols and the opening of new sites, we anticipate a busy year for all, including the Site Labs.

• Good communication between the site PIs and the Lab Director will ensure the continued success of Project Phidisa.