Established in 1988, the Clinical Laboratories and Biobanking Platform has grown into a cornerstone of the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit’s research infrastructure. Originally housed in a single laboratory building, the platform has since expanded to include advanced diagnostic and biobanking facilities such as a specialised freezer archive for systematic biospecimen preservation.

Today, the platform provides high-quality diagnostic and clinical testing services to support the Unit’s core clinical studies and trials, as well as collaborative research projects. It plays a central role in ensuring the reliability of study data by operating under a robust Quality Management System aligned with ISO 15189:2022 standards and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) guidelines. This system integrates organizational processes, procedures, and resources to uphold quality at every step.

With a presence in Entebbe, Masaka City, and Kyamulibwa Subcounty in Kalungu District, the laboratories have evolved from modest setups into fully equipped, multidisciplinary centers offering a wide range of services in hematology, microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular diagnostics.

The platform is led by an experienced leadership team with deep expertise in clinical laboratory research, quality assurance, laboratory management, and biobanking. Together, they ensure the platform continues to deliver accurate, timely, and reliable results that are vital to the success of clinical and epidemiological research.

Beyond its diagnostic function, the platform serves as a regional hub for research capacity building, supporting the training of emerging scientists and contributing to sustainable improvements in laboratory standards across Uganda and beyond.