UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory

Reason for Notification: We would like to apologise for the delay experienced by some users receiving their orders for COPAN collection devices. This was due to a supply chain issue which was outside of our control.

A replacement product has been sourced and is now available to order. All back orders have now been filled.

If you have any queries, please contact UCD NVRL on 01-7164401.

NVRL reference: CN-25-2

Test code: STMP

Start date: 10^th December 2024

A recent customer notification, CN-24-27, was issued in relation to changes in Toxoplasma assays at NVRL. This is the promised update regarding the cessation and replacement of ISAGA™ Toxoplasma IgM assay

The ISAGA™ IgM assay is no longer available, and will be replaced with the Platelia™ anti-Toxoplasma IgM assay.

This assay is used to aid investigation of congenital Toxoplasmosis infection in patients under 6 months of age.

Date of change: Effective Immediately - 12/11/2024

Test affected: HIV confirmatory testing

Reason for Notification

Regrettably NVRL has to inform its users that we are temporarily unable to perform HIV p24 Ag testing. This is due to the discontinuation of the BioMerieux Vidas p24Ag assay. 

NVRL has identified an alternative assay which is currently undergoing verification. Customers will be notified as soon as possible when this is available via this website.

Date of notice: 08/11/2024

Test code:  SCAV

Test: CMV IgG Avidity

 Reason for Notification

UCD NVRL has been informed by its supplier that CMV IgG Avidity test kits will not be available for a number of weeks.

Samples that are awaiting this test will be stored appropriately and testing will be completed once kits are back in stock.

UCD NVRL apologises sincerely for this delay which is entirely outside our control.

Clinical Relevance (Please Note)

Date of change: w/b 7^th October 2024

Test: NxTAG Respiratory Screen

Test code: LRSC

Reason for Notification

We are suspending routine testing for human metapneumovirus (hMPV), following notice from the assay manufacturer of a risk of false positive results being generated.  We do not currently know when or if this issue will be resolved by the manufacturer.

Changes to Reporting of Results

Discontinuation of Artus CMV DNA assay - new Altona CMV DNA assay introduced: week beginning 07th October 2024

Test code: ACMV
Test code: MCMH for the congenital CMV screening programme (urines)

Reason for Notification
The current real-time PCR assay for the detection and quantification of CMV DNA is manufactured
by Artus: however this assay has now been discontinued. The NVRL will switch to an assay provided
by Altona Diagnostics.