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 measuring 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.