Customer Notification: Changes to the routine meningitis/encephalitis testing at the NVRL

Customer Notification: Changes to the routine meningitis/encephalitis testing at the NVRL

During the week of 20^th January 2020, due to circumstances beyond our control, the NVRL will no longer be able to provide meningitis/encephalitis screening in its current format  following commercial withdrawal of the FastTrack viral ME assay.

From this time, all cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples will be routinely tested for the presence of HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV DNA and enterovirus RNA only. Samples collected from children aged 3 years and under will also be investigated for the presence of human parechovirus RNA. 

If there is clinical suspicion of mumps meningitis/encephalitis, CSF samples can be tested for mumps RNA, but this test will no longer be included as part of the routine screen. Please include all relevant clinical details on your request form.

Please refer to the NVRL User Manual for full details on the specimen collection and storage requirements for CSF testing.  NVRL sincerely regrets any inconvenience this may cause.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries in relation to this matter

PH:      +353-01-7164401

Email:  nvrl@ucd.ie