UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory

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.

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)

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:

Reason for Notification:

Further to the previous notice issued on 19th December 2025, the NVRL will be moving bloodborne virus testing (HBV, HCV and HIV viral loads) to the Roche Cobas® system in the week beginning 23^rd February 2026.

At this time, the new test codes (CHIV, CHBV and CHCV, respectively) will come into effect. 

Reason for Notification:

Please see below a list of test codes which will be introduced in Q1 2026.
Please DO NOT use these test codes before Q1 2026. These have been circulated by NVRL IT by email
to those colleagues responsible for management of electronic ordering.