The AIDS Monitoring Laboratory provides clinical trial support by performing sequential immune function studies in people living with HIV or other emerging/re-emerging infectious diseases as they receive treatment. 

Assessing treatment efficacy 

Our work assesses the efficacy and mode of action of treatment agents and determines optimal therapeutic strategies that may lead to restored immune function. 

Supporting clinical trials 

We provide dedicated clinical trial support to National Institutes of Health programs, including NIAID’s Division of Clinical Research and NCI’s HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch. Our support includes performing CLIA-certified hematology and flow cytometry assays. 

Our capabilities and specializations

Sample management and preparation 

We isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells, serum, and plasma from whole blood and leukapheresis specimens. Our team provides cryopreservation and long-term storage of whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, serum, plasma, and other body fluids or tissues. 

  • Measure human cytokines and biomarkers 

  • Prepare cells for microscopy 

  • Use robotics-assisted liquid handling for large-scale projects 

  • Receive and ship clinical specimens

Flow cytometry 

We analyze clinical whole blood specimens using multicolor flow cytometry. Our laboratory conducts color staining and immunophenotypic analyses of cells from tissues and cell cultures. We provide high-speed cell sorting. 

  • BD FACSLyric™ flow cytometer 

  • BD® LSR-II flow cytometer 

  • BD LSRFortessa™ cell analyzer 

  • BD FACSAria™ flow cytometer/cell sorter 

Specialized technological capabilities 

Our laboratory uses cutting-edge technology to efficiently perform sample analyses. 

  • Sysmex XT-4000i™ automated hematology analyzer 

  • bioMerieux VIDAS® immunoanalyzer 

  • Tecan Freedom EVO™ 200 robotic liquid handler 

  • Siemens Hematek® 3000 automated slide stainer