This Manual of Procedures (MOP) describes the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) structure; operating policies; roles and responsibilities of entities and individuals within the HPTN; protocol development and approval processes; standardized study operations procedures; data and specimen collection and processing procedures; and quality management, monitoring and evaluation of trials conducted by the HPTN. The HPTN MOP is to be used as a reference document for current HPTN policies and procedures. Clinical Trial Units are expected to maintain a hard copy of the current HPTN MOP at all clinical research sites. 

The HPTN MOP does not replace the study-specific procedures (SSP) manual that is developed for each HPTN study. The SSP contains detailed guidance on study implementation. All study procedures within the HPTN must be conducted per the study protocol, the SSP manual, and this MOP. If there are inconsistencies between these documents, the precedence that must be followed is:

• If the MOP is inconsistent with the SSP, the SSP must be followed.
• If the SSP is inconsistent with the study protocol, the protocol must be followed.

HPTN members are encouraged to contact the relevant individuals within the Network with procedural questions. For study-specific questions related to proper implementation, data collection, and laboratory concerns for a study protocol, contact the HPTN Leadership and Operations Center (LOC) Clinical Research Manager (CRM), the HPTN Statistical and Data Management (SDMC) Project Manager (PM), and the HPTN Laboratory Center (LC) Quality Assurance/Quality Control Coordinator.