Laboratory (lab) services form an essential component of HIV services. It is important to know how to collect specimens and perform tests correctly in order to obtain correct results. Regular quality management is important. The lab space will need to be large enough for all the equipment and staff required for the services. Patients need to be counselled to help them understand what the tests are for, how they will be performed and the meaning of the results. To do all of this, you will need to make sure that you follow steps provided in this chapter. Lab services must be consistent and dependable to correctly assess and manage patients with various illnesses. Without good quality lab services, test results may be wrong, and if they are not currently accurate, consistent, and dependable, every eff ort should be made to raise them to an acceptable standard. Good communication is very important in your health Centre and also in your lab. Talk regularly with staff working there to make sure that processes are followed correctly and that results are accurate. For lab tests that are not performed at the health Centre, it is important that your staff have good communication with the district hospital lab or other referral lab.