UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory

Reason for Notification: Update to earlier Notification - posted to the website on 11th June 2026

Further to the notice posted on 11^th June 2026, the NVRL will be moving routine testing of plasma for CMV and EBV DNA to the Roche Cobas® system.

Samples received at the NVRL from 31^st July 2026 will be tested on this platform.

For Paediatric patients: please note that a larger sample volume is required for these assays, where possible please send one tube for EBV and one for CMV.

Reason for Notification:

As of the week beginning July 6th, the NVRL will return to use of the Luminex™ NxTAG v2 assay. Reporting of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) will recommence at this time.

No additional actions should be required for users, but if you have any questions, please contact the lab at the number below.

Phone 01-7164401, and select option 2.

NVRL reference: CN-26-17

Introduction of new tests for CMV and EBV at NVRL in mid-July 2026 – please refer to website notification on the NVRL website, 19^th December 2025

Reason for Notification:

Further to the previous notice issued on 19th December 2025, the NVRL will be moving routine testing of plasma for CMV and EBV DNA to the Roche Cobas® system in mid July 2026.

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 27^th 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.

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.

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)