NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY

SEROLOGY  & IMMUNOLOGY

Serology is one among sections that are found at National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) The section is accredited under IEC/ISO 15189:2012 Medical laboratories requirements for quality and competence by SADCAS in 2014 for HIV ELISA and new scopes which are Measles and Rubella IgM ELISA were recommended for accreditation in 2022.

Serology section at NPHL serves as a back up to all Hospital Laboratories tests in any circumstances like reagents stock outs, Equipment breakdown or in high workload situations faced by Laboratories. In this category, samples are expected to be submitted in bulk/batches.

Tests conducted at the serology section include, Measles and Rubella IgM test, HIV ELISA test, Rota virus ELISA test, HEPATITIS B and C ELISA test, Syphilis ELISA test, Dengue virus, COVID-19 antibody test.

For customers aiming to use the Serology section for research purposes, they will be required to come to NPHL management for discussion on protocols to handle research samples and entering into Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Ordering serological tests for routine and for back up is simple. It is done by just completing a Sample request form (F063) available at this website (link for sample request form). The requirement and nature of the specimen needed for the tests to be requested are clearly stated in the Sample Collection Manual available at this website. (link for sample collection Manual)

Processing of the request

Processing of all submitted requests for Serology tests will be done as per the NPHL technical procedures.

Release of results

When sample requests are processed, a report is prepared. The result report is given to the requester at the reception and the individual picking the results reports is required to sign on the dispatch form as the evidence that reports have been collected by the requester.

For any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us through the provided contacts under this website.

External Quality Assessment

The HIV DTS Proficient Testing (PT) schemes under Serology are floated twice per year and HIV and enrolment is based on individual facility requests.

NPHL is also a PT provider for Hepatitis B rapid test, hepatitis C rapid test, HIV DTS rapid test and Syphilis rapid test

Currently NPHL is under process to improve PT services to be in line with ISO 17043 Requirement. Testing Laboratories receiving PT samples will be communicated through the appropriate channel. Any other Laboratories willing to participate are required to submit a request stipulating the scope of their tests needed to be enrolled. For more clarification and support, please contact us through the detailed contact information.

Surveillance

NPHL- Serology section is also conducting surveillance for Measles, rubella, Rota virus, COVID-19 antibody test and HIV in the country to strengthen measures for elimination of these diseases in the country.