UPHIA 2024-2025 employs state-of-the-art laboratory technologies to provide accurate and comprehensive health testing for all survey participants. Our laboratory component represents a significant advancement in population-based survey capabilities in Uganda.
The survey includes multiple types of testing to provide a complete picture of HIV and related health indicators. All testing is conducted using internationally recognized protocols and quality assurance standards.
Laboratory testing includes:
- HIV rapid testing with immediate results
- Confirmatory HIV testing using advanced algorithms
- Viral load testing for HIV-positive participants
- CD4 count measurements
- HIV drug resistance testing
- Recent HIV infection testing (incidence)
- Additional health biomarkers
Dr. Stephen Watya, Laboratory Coordinator, emphasizes the importance of quality: "Every test result must be accurate and reliable. We have implemented multiple quality control measures to ensure that participants and the research community can have complete confidence in our laboratory data."
The laboratory network for UPHIA includes both field-based testing capabilities and centralized reference laboratory services. This hybrid approach allows for rapid delivery of results to participants while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy for research purposes.
All laboratory staff have undergone extensive training and certification in the specific protocols used for UPHIA. Regular proficiency testing and external quality assurance ensure consistent performance across all testing sites.
The laboratory data generated by UPHIA 2024-2025 will provide unprecedented insights into the HIV epidemic in Uganda and inform evidence-based strategies for achieving epidemic control.