Customer Notification: Introduction of new tests for CMV and EBV DNA at NVRL

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.

The new test codes (CCMV and CEBV, respectively) will come into effect and testing will be performed on plasma samples ONLY.   All other sample types, including urine and BAL specimens, will continue to be tested via the existing Altona assay.

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

CMV: CCMV: 35 IU/ml

EBV: CEBV: 35 IU/ml
 

While performance of the new assays is comparable to the Altona 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-26-14-1