Division of Immunology
SU Immunology Research Group (SU-IRG)
RESOURCES AND FACILITIES
The Stellenbosch University Immunology Research Group (SU-IRG) Laboratory is a South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) ISO 15189 accredited laboratory with Facility Accreditation Number M0498. Our application for accreditation at SANAS, which is a member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), commenced in 2011 and we received full accreditation in August 2012. The accreditation currently demonstrates technical competency for Quantiferon TB Gold In-Tube ELISA, and Luminex Multiplex Assays, as well as for the operation of a laboratory quality management system.
The specialist team of SU-IRG Laboratory scientists and technicians has been working together for almost a decade. We are an accomplished group dedicated to the performance of laboratory tests and procedures with accuracy and proficiency with guaranteed quality assurance. In this regard, the Stellenbosch University Immunology Research Group Laboratory is equipped with the latest technology, instrumentation, and standards that meet international regulatory requirements.
Our facilities include basic immunology laboratories, tissue culture facilities and Bio-Safety Level 3 laboratories, while we also have access to flow cytometry facilities (sorting in BSL3) and a specialized protein laboratory. We also boast a state-of-the-art research bronchoscopy suite operated by the Biomedical Research Institute Clinical Unit who has performed over 800 bronchoscopies over the past two years. The unit is also equipped with a licensed research dispensary capable of storing and dispensing Investigational Product under monitored temperature conditions, both ambient and refrigerated. This provides site-of-disease samples for advanced immunological assessment.
Protocols have been developed to help customers understand the services offered, to facilitate easy handling and shipping of supplies and samples in a timely manner, at affordable and competitive pricing. All procedures involving human peripheral blood isolation and storage, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), high throughput multiplexing and tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic tests (Interferon Gamma Release Assays) are subject to our quality assurance program. Our expertise in these areas has grown from our long-running association with the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics at Stellenbosch University, where we are based.