Dear Colleague, 

Please be informed weekly about changes in pre-analytical procedures, techniques, reagent shortages, nomenclature, and pricing of our tests, as well as the relocation steps of the various specialties of the laboratory to the new Frépillon site.

- DELTA AMINO LEVULINIC ACID: CHANGE IN PRE-ANALYTICAL CONDITIONS

During the relocation of our activity in Frépillon, we reviewed the pre-analytical conditions for this test: urine samples must now be sent to us frozen only.

PARTIAL RESULTS

If your test request includes several tests to be carried out and you would like to receive partial results, please do not hesitate to make a request.

GENTLE REMINDER :

PRIORISATION OF TESTS WITH A MEDICALLY IMPORTANT PROGNOSIS : 

Check the urgent box on the bag

DPD PHENOTYPING TESTS :

To ensure optimal management of your DPD phenotyping tests :

• Check the urgent box on the bag

• The sample should be taken from a whole blood tube without gel, decanted and frozen as soon as possible.

DRUG ASSAY : 

Within the scope of the review of pre-analytical conditions, empty tubes with separating gels are not longer accepted from September 16, 2024. 
Please refer to the Cerba laboratory test catalogue. 

MPOX PCR : DIAGNOSIS OF THE MPOX VIRUS  :

In recent months, a new clade of the Mpox virus has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo: clade 1b. On August 14, 2024, the WHO launched a worldwide alert to monitor its spread. The Cerba laboratory has been diagnosing Monkeypox infection since August 1, 2022, and you'll find all  details below.

• PCR used: CE-IVDR-marked kit detecting all circulating clades, including clade Ib.
• Transport media: VTM, M4RT, Lingen, or physiological serum.
• Frequency: at least 2 series per week, the frequency is maintained and adapted to the epidemiology. For special circumstances, please contact us: INF@lab-cerba.com
• The laboratory's current capacity and the reagents used mean that it can cope with very large influxes of samples if necessary.
• Typing: the Cerba laboratory plays an active role in epidemiological surveillance in conjunction with the CNR des orthopoxviroses and SPF.
• Sample transport:
• Triple packaging, category B, UN3373, with a request form enabling it to be read without opening the triple packaging, for team protection.
• Sample transport conditions must be checked against local regulations.

Please refer to the Cerba catalogue

EXTENDED DELAY - BREAKDOWN OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL EQUIPMENT :
AND BACK TO NORMAL
 

Homocysteine: BACK TO NORMAL

Serum catecholamines: following a technical problem with one of our instruments, we are subcontracting the analysis to Eurofins Biomnis.

Coenzyme Q10: following an equipment breakdown, we have a 3 week delay in delivering results

Oxalates Citrates: following partial equipment breakdowns, we are in the process of catching up. All our equipment is working again, and we have a turnaround time of up to two weeks, with a gradual return to normal.

Blood serotonins: following unforeseen absences and then a breakdown in the equipment, we have a delay of up to 3 weeks in delivering results.

Vitamins A and E: following a RapidFire breakdown, we have a 10-day delay with a gradual return to normal.

Vitamin K1: following a breakdown and a technical problem resolved on 27 September, we have a delay of 2 weeks.  A return to normal is expected next week. 

Please do not hesitate to contacte us should you require any further information,

Best regards,

The International Customer Service Team
intgb@lab-cerba.com