The Johns Hopkins Research Project laboratory (JHP) which is College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) certified, is housed in a two-story state-of-the art building dedicated entirely to support on-going research at the clinical research site. The testing capacity of the JHP laboratory in Blantyre has expanded dramatically over the years due to its commitment to support the diversity of testing required by the Network research and to the dedication of The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to build laboratory capacity at its research sites around the world. Testing capacity includes chemistry (liver and renal function, and electrolytes among others); hematology; immunology/serology; flow cytometry; molecular; microbiology; parasitology; urinalysis; and separation and cryopreservation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs). The lab plays a critical role in nearly every clinical trial conducted by the JHP and the goal is always to produce accurate, timely, and reliable lab results in an efficient way. The lab consists of experienced staff members which include the following; Laboratory Director, Laboratory Managers, Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, Laboratory Assistants and support staff.

The Johns Hopkins Research Project Laboratory has one of the best quality management systems which involves ongoing processes whereby the laboratory’s performance is monitored ensuring that the laboratory is producing reliable test data. Over the years, the laboratory has received two international awards from the Research Networks for its outstanding performance: The Microbicides Trials Network – Award for LDMS Excellence, 2018, and the HIV Prevention Trials Network, The LaTanya Johnson-Lewis Award, 2018.

 “Motivating my lab team to achieve great things, like CAP re-accreditation and GCLP recertification, is what inspires me most. Seeing the impact our lab has, through the results we send to the clinics, which help in managing participants’ care, gives me more energy to push on.”
  – Dean Soko, Lab Manager