Molecular Diagnostics Unit

This unit has provided technical support in establishing and upgrading the infrastructure of 17 functional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) laboratories in the Nigeria. These laboratories are strategically located nationwide for Early Infant Diagnosis testing for HIV exposed infants and for viral load tests to monitor patients on antiretroviral therapy.

IHVN also established the mega PCR laboratory located in the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa Abuja. Out of the 29 PCR laboratories established by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), 59% were set up by the unit.

One of our supported PCR laboratories, the Plateau State Human Virology Research Center (PLASVIREC) has attained international accreditation ISO 15189 in Viral Load and Early Infant Diagnosis Testing.

IHVN supported PCR laboratories have assayed over 192, 754 tests for Early Infant Diagnosis and 350,625 patients for viral load monitoring as contribution to the national program on Early Infant Diagnosis and Viral Load scale-up respectively.

To improve sample logistics and make patients results quickly available to them, in 2013, IHVN collaborated with CHAI Nigeria to pilot the use of a software application, the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). LIMS manages HIV Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) sample logistics, automated sample processing and retrieval of results.