Dr. Lucia Hans

Lucia Hans is a South African researcher specializing in molecular diagnostics and public health laboratory systems, with a strong focus on HIV, tuberculosis, and emerging viral infections. Her work is closely aligned with the National Health Laboratory Service and national diagnostic programs, contributing to evidence-based policy and large-scale laboratory implementation strategies.

Her research centers on HIV viral load monitoring, drug resistance, and the evaluation of innovative diagnostic technologies for resource-limited settings. She has led and co-authored studies assessing assay performance, specimen stability, plasma separation technologies, and resistance testing strategies, supporting optimized patient management and treatment monitoring.

Hans has also contributed significantly to SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic evaluation and national quality monitoring approaches, including the use of cycle threshold data for real-time surveillance. Her work demonstrates expertise in translating laboratory data into public health impact, highlighting the economic and health value of molecular diagnostics at national scale.