The Epicentre Research Center Laboratory in Mbarara, awarded GCLP accreditation
The Epicentre Research Center Laboratory in Uganda has just been accredited for GCLP (Good Clinical Laboratory Practice) by the international and independent accreditation system, Qualogy.
“This is an important milestone for our laboratory," says Juliet Mwanga-Amumpaire, the center's director. “This accreditation demonstrates the quality and reliability of the clinical trial data we generate and our adherence to standards that guarantee patient safety and rights and maintain participants confidentiality."
GCLP encompasses all aspects of clinical trial laboratory operations: organization and personnel; facilities; equipment, materials and reagents; standard operating procedures; work planning; subcontracting; test materials; conduct of work; reporting of results; quality control and audits; archiving; and confidentiality.
"Obtaining this accreditation places us in a continuous improvement process. To maintain it, we must continually check our systems to ensure that our research results are of the highest quality, efficiently managed and consistent with international standards," said Dan Nyehangane, laboratory coordinator. The GCLP guidelines also require that laboratory personnel be qualified by training and experience, and that they have access to continuous training.”
GCLP Accreditation will increase the center's visibility, enable it to develop partnerships and deploy new clinical trials. Today, the center is already participating in several international trials on tuberculosis, as well as vaccine trials on Ebola and yellow fever. By taking this step, the center should strengthen its position in clinical research in Uganda and more widely.
