A supply chain issue is currently affecting testing in Cambridge for some PCR-based assays for haematological malignancies. You can continue to order tests as normal but results may be delayed and processed by other accredited labs.
We will continue to prioritise urgent and clinically critical cases, please ensure these are clearly flagged when ordering, or contact the lab directly. Unfortunately, some delays may still be unavoidable.
BCR::ABL1 PCR testing
The majority of tests will be carried out using an alternative method (fluorescence in situ hybridisation), with suitable material retained to determine specific transcript types if a positive result is detected.
Monitoring testing for BCR::ABL1 is unaffected by the current issue and will continue normal service.
Where necessary, some samples may also be processed by the Central & South Genomics Medicine Service (GMS) in Oxford to clear backlogs and aid rapid restoration of service.
CALR for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN)
Testing will be carried out using next generation sequencing (NGS) instead of PCR. In many cases this is expected to cause some delay in reporting results. Results will be otherwise unaffected and any tandem CALR/MPL requests will be reported together.
IGHV testing for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
We will be outsourcing testing to the Central & South GMS (Southampton). Results will still be reported via the Cambridge lab.
Please contact us (cuh.eastglh-haemonc-molecular@nhs.net) with specific queries regarding individual patients for advice on test selection.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and aim to restore normal testing as quickly as possible.