Customer Notification: Introduction of new tests for BBV

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. 

Please note, the new assays will have the following lower limits of quantification as standard

HBV: CHBV: 25 IU/ml

HCV: CHCV: 40 IU/ml

HIV:  CHIV: 50 copies/ml. 

While performance of the new assays is comparable to the outgoing Abbott tests, users may wish to consider sending additional samples from patients under active monitoring, to establish a new baseline.  Please contact the NVRL Clinical team if you have any queries.

Phone 01-7164401, and select option 2.

NVRL reference: CN-26-3