Summary

The lab acts as a biological reference lab for the NIMH Collaborative HIV/STD Prevention Trial in charge of overseeing site laboratories in Zimbabwe, Peru, India, Russia, and China. The reference lab generated protocols and trained lab managers and technicians at the various sites at the beginning of the trial. Sites are continuously inspected with the intention of raising the operating standards of the labs, increasing quality, enhancing adherence to study protocols, and educating on appropriate and current lab safety. The reference lab is also charged with transfering technology to the study sites.