1. Laboratory Operational Team
Dr Zinhle Makatini
Thank you chair.
First, I want to thank the organisers for inviting the NCC to participate in this meeting. I am one of the members of NCC and am standing for Dr Khomo, the chairperson.
Most of you have already had about the NCC before today’s meeting, and the role of the NCC in the certification process for eradication of polio. I hope I will be able to convince you in the next 10 minutes that our role would be very difficult without your support.

2. Accomplishments over the past year
Initiated contract with Lancet Lab for:
CD4, HIV RNA,
routine safety labs,
repository lab and sample transport
Established procedures for:
- Phlebotomy (pre- and post-test counselling)
- HIV and pregnancy rapid testing
- Blood smears
- Sample processing and shipping
Trained lab personnel at 1 Mil and Mtubatuba

3. Tasks for Upcoming Year
Evaluate composition of Laboratory Team
Develop transition strategy for funding Lancet Contract
Re-evaluate opportunity for development of enhanced laboratory capability within SAMHS – beginning with sample repository

4. Composition of Laboratory Team
Current Members of Lab Operational Team:
South Africa USA
Dr Z Makatini (Chair) Dr Robin Dewar (Mentor)
Dr MJ Mphahlele Ms Julie Metcalf
- Dr L Webber Ms Helene Highbarger
Phidisa Lab Staff:
- Director (1)
- Deputy Director (1) - vacant
- Lab assistants (12) – 8 vacant

5. Transition Strategy for Funding Lancet Contract
Current Status – HJF administers funding of the Lancet contract
Preparation for change – Scientific Application International Corporation (SAIC) to administer funding for the Lancet
Transition from HJF to SAIC projected to take 3-4 months
Line of communication for Lancet Laboratory will continue to go through the Phidisa Laboratory Director Dr Z Makatini

6. Lab Infrastructure at SAMHS
Creation of a repository within the SAMHS is the next most important task.
Requirements
- Building permits
- Operational
- Facility
- Personnel
- Data base

7. Lab Research Proposals
Discordant couples
HIV Genotyping
Predictive value of lab markers:
Hemoglobin
Total lymphocyte count
Weight

8. Phidisa Laboratory Budget for Fiscal Year ending June 2005*
Clinic Labs SAR ,000
Site visits SAR ,000
Meetings SAR ,000
Lancet contract SAR 10,250,000
Repository SAR 7,000,000
*Does not include personnel & genotyping costs

9. Laboratory Requests for:
Operational Teams
Please work with the Lab Director to:
- Identify lab-dedicated staff.
- Establish the patient flow scheme for each site.
- Train clinical staff on laboratory specific issues.

10. Concluding Remarks
With the upcoming implementation of new protocols and the opening of new sites, we anticipate a busy year for all, including the Site Labs.
Good communication between the site PIs and the Lab Director will ensure the continued success of Project Phidisa.