Training

Training is an essential component of the National Laboratory's mandate. Technology transfer is achieved through workshops conducted as part of the biannual Biotechnology Transfer Meeting, and through specialized workshops on new technologies. Topics of recent workshops have included:

• the introduction of bead based reference material for uniform flow cytometer calibration
• the introduction of single platform absolute count technology for enumeration of CD4 T-cells

In special circumstances, individualized training is also available for members of the CIQAP, and for visiting scientists, clinicians or technologists.

The National Laboratory has also developed a laboratory teaching module that was included as part of the Ottawa University Medical School curriculum as a component of their first year Immunology course. All personnel in the National Laboratory actively participated in this teaching module.

In addition to specialized workshops on new, emerging technologies, several workshops are conducted each year as part of the biannual Biotechnology Transfer Meeting. These workshops discuss new technologies and issues of interest or concern to the participating members of the CIQAP, and encourage dialogue and the exchange of information among the participants. Some of the topics of last year's workshops included:

• classification of calibration standards
• cytokines
• absolute counts

This past year, NLHI has also organized several international workshops in both West Africa and India. These workshops are part of the National Laboratory's ongoing commitment to share expertise with developing nations and to encourage the exchange of information within the global HIV/AIDS community.