Customer Notification: IMPORTANT UPDATE re Murex HBsAg Version 3

Apr
16

Reason for Notification:

On 26th March the NVRL posted a Customer Notification regarding suspension of this assay following receipt of a Field Safety Notice from the supplier, Diasorin.

We have been informed that the date of availability of this kit is now 27th MAY 2026.

NVRL apologises for any issues to our service users; these are outside our control.

 

Please contact the NVRL Clinical team if you have any queries.

Phone 01-7164401, and select option 2.

 

Posted By Helen.Dawkins read more

CN-26-9: Customer notification: Luminex NxTAG Respiratory Screen – reverting to v1 of this assay

Apr
13

As of 13 April 2026, for stock management purposes, the NVRL will temporarily revert to version 1 of the Luminex NxTAG Respiratory Screen. 

The test code remains LRSC.

During this time, we will not be reporting human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in line with the previously issued notice (October 2024).  However, testing for hMPV may be specifically requested if clinically indicated.  

Please contact the NVRL Clinical team on (01) 7164401 to make these requests.  Testing with v2 of the assay will resume later in the year.

 

Posted By Brian O'Grady read more

CN-26-8: Customer Notification: Labelling requirements for samples from suspected or confirmed mpox cases

Apr
07

Laboratories submitting samples from suspected or confirmed mpox cases to the NVRL for testing must:

  • Indicate the requirement for mpox testing on the external packaging
  • Ensure that all samples – including both mpox diagnostic swabs and other sample types – are clearly marked as “probable (or confirmed) mpox”

For detailed sampling, packaging and transport requirements, please refer to the NVRL User Manual and current national guidelines – Laboratory Testing in Patients with confirmed or clinically suspected mpox (V 4.5, published 18/03/2026)

Posted By Helen.Dawkins read more

CN-26-7: Customer Notification: Suspension of Murex HBsAg version 3 testing until further notice

Mar
26

Please see attached a Field Safety Notice (FSN) received from Diasorin in relation to particular batches of the Murex HBsAg Version 3 kit.

The NVRL currently holds one of the affected batches, which has been in use since January 2026. From the initial risk assessment by the manufacturer and the NVRL weare not expecting any significant clinical impact. However, we are continuing to investigate, and will follow up directly with any affected service users.
Supply of the assay is anticipated to resume the week of 6th April.

Posted By Helen.Dawkins read more

CN-26-4: Customer Notification: Syphilis IgM assay supply issue – update to CN-26-4 published on February 27th 2026

Mar
11

Unfortunately, UCD NVRL must inform users that Trinity Biotech Syphilis IgM assay kits are unlikely to be available until the end of April 2026.

Samples will continue to be referred to the UK to complete testing as necessary.

UCD apologises to our users for any inconvenience that may arise.

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

Posted By Helen.Dawkins read more

CN-26-5 Changes to nvrl.ucd.ie website

Feb
19

New procedure is in place for access to Additional testing, Request for copy reports and Consent for release of patient results

Reason for Notification:

In order to maintain the security of its system, UCD has advised the following changes to the NVRL's website.

As a result, NVRL is putting new procedures in place for the following:

Posted By Helen.Dawkins read more

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About the NVRL

The UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL) provides a diagnostic and reference service for clinicians investigating viral infections throughout Ireland. The laboratory is affiliated to the University College Dublin School of Medicine. The NVRL have provided a virology diagnostic service to the Irish health service for over forty years.

We currently perform over 700,000 tests annually, involving some 120 tests for 40 different pathogens and provide specialist reference services which have been developed as a result of medical and technical expertise built over many years. We are proud to offer our service users accredited tests in line with national and international “best practice”.

Hours of service

Normal Opening Hours:        Monday to Friday:       8.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.

The laboratory routinely operates from 8.00 am to 6.00 p.m. daily but officially opens from 8.00am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Job Vacancies

Accreditation

The NVRL is accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) to undertake testing as detailed in the Schedule bearing the Registration Number 326MT, in compliance with the International Standard ISO/IEC 15189:2012 "Medical laboratories - Requirements for quality and competence".

 

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