In the New Year the Virology laboratory at Barts Health is going to be changing the way they test for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Currently Barts are using the Hologic panther analyser and will upgrade to the Roche Cobas analyser from 6 January 2020.
Both systems use bespoke collection devices and different media so when they swap over you will have to start using the Roche Cobas collection devices.
Barts will start testing samples using the Cobas collection devices from 6 January 2020. Cobas collection devices are now available to order from your local pathology department, the Hologic Panther consumables were stopped being supplied from 20 December.
The sample containers are different but the method of collection is almost identical. Barts will retain the ability to test using the Hologic Panthers collection devices for a short period to allow them to capture all the remaining samples during the cut-over period to make the transition easier.
If you require any further information please feel to contact Spiro Pereira, Chief Healthcare Scientist at Barts Health, by email at spiro.pereira@nhs.net.
740