MVDRL Forms
Molecular Virology Diagnostic Testing
Molecular Virology Service User Manual
Molecular Diagnostic Services Available
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
- Viral load quantification and drug resistance profiling
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
- Viral load quantification and genotype
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Viral load quantification and drug resistance profiling
- Viral load quantification and drug resistance profiling
Unfortunately, requests made from GPs will not be accpeted. GP service requests must be made through correct channels, i.e. through referral with a hospital consultant.
All molecular diagnostic assays carry the CE IVD Mark.
Requesting a Laboratory Test
Molecular Virology accepts both electronic and hard-copy (paper) test requests. Electronic requests are the preferred format for requesting a laboratory test. The CUH iSOFT Clinical Manager (iCM) system is the most efficient and robust way to request a laboratory test from Molecular Virology and we encourage all service users to take advantage of this system.
Electronic Requests
iCM is the electronic patient record in CUH used to electronically request laboratory tests and view authorised test results in real time. Molecular Virology have no control over management, access or use of iCM. Please contact your dedicated HSE IT support team for further details on using the iCM system.
Hard-copy test requests
Molecular Virology will continue to accept hard-copy (paper) test requests to facilitate service users that cannot access electronic test requesting systems. Test requests should only be made using official, virus specific, Molecular Virology test request and report forms (TRRFs).
Submit one copy of the virus specific test request and report form [TRRF] with each specimen:
- HBV HBV Test Request
- HVC HCV Test Request
- HCV HCV Dialysis Test Request
- HIV HIV Test Request
- HIV paediatric HIV Paed Test Request
Minimum amount of blood required per test (adult):
- HBV: 6.0 mL plasma – whole blood (WB)
- HCV: 3.5 mL serum
- HIV: 6.0 mL plasma – whole blood (WB)
Minimum amount of blood required per test (paediatric)
- 2.0 mL
The time of venepuncture must be noted on blood tube as blood specimens must reach laboratory within 6 hours.
Please Note: All specimens originating outside Cork University Hospital must be accompanied by a completed and signed Specimen Transfer Form. This includes specimens coming from CPC, CUH.
Turnaround Times
Median turnaround times from receipt of specimen to reporting of results:
HBV 8 days
HCV 6 days
HIV 5 days
Most Common Non Conformances
- Delayed delivery of specimen to the laboratory
- Unnecessary test request
- Incomplete/incorrect tube
- Insufficient sample
Hours of service
Monday to Thursday 09.00-17.00 Deadline for sample reception: 16.30
Friday 0.9.00-16.00 Deadline for sample reception: 15.30
Saturday & Sunday Closed
Bank & Public Holidays Closed (including Christmas Public Sector Holiday period)
Consent Forms
Patient consent is required if a copy of the report is not going to the source of the original request. Consent to issue a copy of the report to anyone other than the requesting clinician (or designee of their choosing) needs to be provided in writing by the patient.
Please submit the following consent form for test information request: MVDRL Consent Form
Laboratory contact details: 021-4922552/4
Director: Professor Liam Fanning