UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory

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

 Date of Implementation: 17/10/2024 10.00

 Reason for Notification: Operation of the UCD clinical advice and results line reverting to UCD Telephone Services from Blueface (Comcast)

 Temporary NVRL numbers: Will be provided if required. 

Please use current phone number - 01-7164401 

 Please call or email Geoff Gray (geoffrey.gray@ucd.ie) with any queries.

  NVRL reference: CN-24-30

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.

NVRL has been notified, by the manufacturer, that the ISAGA Toxoplasma IgA and IgM assays used
to investigate Toxoplasma infection from patients less than 6 months of age are no longer available.
No suitable alternative is currently available for the Toxoplasma IgA and in line with the Toxoplasma
reference unit, UK we will cease offering routine Toxoplasma IgA investigation from today.