CN-26-3: Customer Notification: Introduction of new tests for BBV

Feb
17

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 23rd February 2026.

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

New code CHIV - "HIV-1 RNA (Roche) " replacing MHIV - "HIV-1 Viral Load (Abbott) "

Posted By Helen.Dawkins read more

CN-25-15: Notification of NEW TEST CODES for Q1 2026

Dec
19

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.

Posted By Helen.Dawkins read more

CN-25-12: Customer Notification: Update to HIV Genotyping protocol at NVRL

Sep
19

As of the week beginning 29/09/25, the NVRL will transition from our existing Sanger sequencing HIV GART assays to a modified protocol, utilising next generation sequencing for data acquisition. 

Posted By Helen.Dawkins read more

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About the NVRL

The UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL) provides a diagnostic and reference service for clinicians investigating viral infections throughout Ireland. The laboratory is affiliated to the University College Dublin School of Medicine. The NVRL have provided a virology diagnostic service to the Irish health service for over forty years.

We currently perform over 700,000 tests annually, involving some 120 tests for 40 different pathogens and provide specialist reference services which have been developed as a result of medical and technical expertise built over many years. We are proud to offer our service users accredited tests in line with national and international “best practice”.

Hours of service

Normal Opening Hours:        Monday to Friday:       8.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.

The laboratory routinely operates from 8.00 am to 6.00 p.m. daily but officially opens from 8.00am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Job Vacancies

Accreditation

The NVRL is accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) to undertake testing as detailed in the Schedule bearing the Registration Number 326MT, in compliance with the International Standard ISO/IEC 15189:2012 "Medical laboratories - Requirements for quality and competence".

 

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