DIVISION OF BIOSAFETY AND BIOSECURITY

The Division of Biosafety and Biosecurity (DBB) was borne of the NICD’s need for a dedicated team of biocontainment engineering and biorisk specialists to oversee and advance institutional biorisk management requirements.

DBB was established in 2008 to support the daily operation of the BSL4 Facility, and has since grown in size and stature to service the entire institute, greater NHLS and beyond. The Division now boasts of a highly skilled and dedicated team of biocontainment engineers and artisans, a biorisk management specialist and administrative support.

SEQUENCING CORE FACILITY

The Sequencing Core Facility was established in January 2016. The facility operates Sanger and several next-generation sequencers and maintains a fully equipped laboratory and staff able to perform a variety of sequencing applications. Services  performed include sample preparation and data generation, followed by the delivery of partially analysed sequence information back to NICD centres

Global TB policies and guidelines are initiated through the World Health Organization (WHO) and their formulation has included representation from the CTB which assisted in developing these strategic documents.

CENTRE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE

The NICD is committed to providing results on surveillance testing and outbreaks to the highest international standards. To this end, the NICD laboratories, including selected research laboratories, have been SANAS accredited in accordance with ISO 15189:2012. To further strengthen the provision of quality service, all support and non-laboratory departments are working towards ISO9001:2015 certification.

All Quality Systems Essentials are continuously being monitored and improved.