Laboratory Infrastructure

The Clinical Laboratories and Biobanking Platform is built on a strong infrastructure that meets both routine diagnostic needs and complex research requirements. We operate six laboratories [BM1] across three key locations. In Entebbe, three laboratories house core diagnostic units and the central Biobank, forming the heart of our operations. Two additional laboratories in Masaka City expand our reach to peri-urban communities, while the Kyamulibwa site in Kalungu District functions as a primary sample collection hub with selected diagnostic services on-site. This distributed network enables the platform to deliver timely, high-quality laboratory support to both urban and rural populations across Uganda.

Laboratory Equipment 
Our laboratories are equipped with a broad range of analytical technologies, enabling efficient, high-throughput testing across major diagnostic domains:

Hematology

BC-6200: Processes 110 samples per hour

DXH560 autoloader: Used at Masaka field site

Immunochemistry

e411 analyzer

Molecular Diagnostics

C5800 system: Handles up to 150 samples daily

Real-time Chemistry

C111: Analyzes over 60 samples in an 8-hour shift

Cobas Integra: Capable of processing 400 samples per hour

C6000: Supports up to 600 samples per hour

These platforms are operated by skilled technologists and supported by a dedicated quality assurance team, ensuring precision and reliability in all results.

Biobanking
At the core of our research infrastructure is a certified Biobank, located at the Entebbe site. Accredited by the Canadian Tissue Repository Network (CTRNet) and recognized by the University of British Columbia's Biobank Certification Program, the facility meets international standards for biorepository management. The Biobank is equipped with over 80 ultra-low temperature freezers, liquid nitrogen storage systems, and a comprehensive 24/7 monitoring framework to ensure uninterrupted operation. Biological materials stored include plasma, serum, whole blood, DNA, saliva, urine, and PBMCs, collected over more than three decades of research. Each sample is logged and tracked through a secure Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), enabling efficient retrieval and supporting local and global collaborations.

Personnel and Expertise
The CLDS & Biobank platform is powered by a dedicated and multidisciplinary team committed to maintaining the highest levels of laboratory excellence. This includes experienced laboratory technologists, molecular biologists, data analysts, and quality assurance managers who bring both technical skill and a passion for continuous learning. Their expertise underpins our capacity to meet the demanding needs of clinical studies, surveillance programs, and cutting-edge research.

Data Systems and Integrity
All sample and testing data are managed through an integrated Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), which ensures the traceability, integrity, and security of data throughout the entire laboratory workflow. This system enables accurate sample tracking, result validation, and secure data storage, with automated backups and audit trails. Curated sample-level data-including patient demographics, time points, diagnostic results, and associated metadata-is available for sharing with external scientists whose research aligns with our ethical and collaborative frameworks.

Training and Capacity Building
The platform actively contributes to training and capacity building. We provide MSc and PhD supervision opportunities, short laboratory-based courses, and structured internships and fellowships for early-career scientists. These programs are designed to nurture local and regional talent, equipping participants with practical skills and research experience in a world-class laboratory setting.