The Development of HIV Research Laboratories in the Royal Thai Army Medical Department
Thippawan Chuenchitra PhD*, Suchitra Sukwit MSc*, Jariyanart Gaywee PhD*, Kwanjai Viputtikul MSc*, Chirapa Eamsila MSc*, Sutchana Tabprasit MSc*, Mark de Souza PhD**, Narongrid Sirisopana MD*, Sorachai Nitayaphan MD, PhD*, Arthur E Brown MD**, Cheodchai Chuenchitra PhD*
Affiliation : *Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Royal Thai Army (RTA) Medical Department, Bangkok 10400, Thailand ** US Military HIV Research Program, Rockville, United States
The development of HIV research laboratories at the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Royal Thai Army Medical Department in supporting of HIV-1 vaccine trials in Thailand was implemented in 1991. The collaboration between AFRIMS, Royal Thai Army Medical Department, and the US Military HIV Research Program with the ultimate goal to conduct the HIV-1 vaccine trial phase III. The HIV serology lab was set up for surveillance program in military recruits. Then, there was a need to strengthen more on the existing laboratories by training personnel to cope with the confidentiality of the lab results, specimen processing and data management which are critical. Later on, the necessary laboratory for measur- ing of vaccine immunogenicity was developed, such as lymphoproliferation assay. Additionally, a molecular biology lab was also developed. The HIV research laboratory management must include an ability to deal with some problems, such as late specimen receiving, fluctuating of power supply, technical staffs maintained. Good laboratory practices and safety must be strictly implemented. Communication network among facilities also played an important role in HIV laboratory strengthening at AFRIMS.
Keywords : HIV research laboratory development, HIV-1 vaccine trials, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences
