Tests threatened by Roche supply chain glitch

[helvella]

Although the headline in the newspaper specifically refers to "coronavirus", this post is because of the possible impact on other testing. This could affect NHS and private labs across the country - as well as home test.

NHS coronavirus tests threatened by Roche supply chain glitch

Pharmaceutical firm reports ‘significant drop in processing capacity’ of reagents, kits and swabs

Concerns have been raised over the supply of vital testing materials for a range of conditions, including Covid-19, following a supply chain problem with the pharmaceutical company Roche.

On Tuesday, Roche said it had experienced a “very significant drop” in its processing capacity due to a problem with its Sussex distribution centre, the only one in the UK.

It has been reported that the shortage includes vital reagents, screening kits and swabs.

In addition to providing these chemicals and parts used in Covid-19 tests, Roche also provides materials for a wide range of procedures including blood and urine tests, as well as diabetic care.

theguardian.com/world/2020/...

Some blood test results identify the machine they were run on. This is a (very) partial list of branding used by Roche / Roche Diagnostics:

  Urisys

  Cobas

  Accutrend

  CoaguCheck

  Accu-Chek

  Combur

  Mira

  Hitachi

  Elecsys

  Integra

  Reflotron

[Marz]

Some experts have declared the PCR test of little value - so perhaps if they ceased as has been suggested - then the products mentioned above could be put to better use.

Thank you for the info !

[tattybogle]

Interview on Radio 4 this morning suggested that NHS routine bloods would try and deal with the situation by shuffling tests to labs that have different testing platforms, so hopefully bypassing the shortages of roache reagents. Presume this will mean lots of thyroid tests coming back with different lab ranges to what we usually get.

[helvella in reply to tattybogle]

Yes - and different susceptibility to interference (e.g. by various antibodies and biotin).

Also, it is bound to add some delay to processing the tests. Even if only the transport of samples.

A distinct problem for some tests which need to go from arm to lab in minutes. For example, at least some parathyroid hormone assays. They might need patients to go to different places for their blood draws.

[Hay2016 in reply to tattybogle]

I think you may find thyroid testing will be deemed non essential and will cease!! Only one district general near us use non Roche platforms, all the rest are. There is no way despite what the higher up peeps say that that hospital can cope with three huge hospitals work and theirs. Nice theory though.

[tattybogle in reply to Hay2016]

For the first time ever i'm pleased that mine seem to be done on Abbott machines

But i still think their FT4 range is silly.

[Hay2016 in reply to tattybogle]

My tests usually done by beckmann, they’re awful ranges too. 😂

[madge1979 in reply to Hay2016]

😱

[LindaC]

It has regularly been said that the NHS systems needed to be put to better use - since they know what's required - than this mad reliance on companies... What a mess!

[EMBoy in reply to LindaC]

Due to Government budget cuts, the NHS needs to be as efficient as possible. Modern laboratory tests are so complex that the vast majority of them are now carried out on automated analysers that are run 24/7 by dedicated staff. We do have to rely on companies to provide equipment/reagents etc. and without this reliance, it would be impossible to perform the millions of tests that we do each year.

The system isn't perfect, but we do try to make it as efficient as possible.

[LindaC in reply to EMBoy]

Of course and I'm sure you do - all of you - such difficult times. Thank you - best of.

[EMBoy in reply to LindaC]

Thanks very much for your kind words. We do what we do because we love it (even if it's a bit Nerdy), but being able to help someone else is the icing on the cake.

[LindaC in reply to EMBoy]

Nothing nerdy about it! Icing on the cake indeed and sometimes bet it's exciting too!

Again, much appreciated to you, your fellow colleagues and all NHS workers!

[TSH110]

Just got an email from Thriva to say any test with vit D or B12 cannot be processed so not to send it. Update promised for Weds 14.

[helvella in reply to TSH110]

Another post:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[EMBoy]

I work in an NHS lab that relies on Roche reagents, and I'd just like to say that there is no shortage. Roche have moved their operation into a new depot, and I believe their stock control computer has had a "glitch".

They have already started to send out reagents and I'm sure they will be up and running again within a week or two. In the meantime only essential and urgent tests are being carried out. We are sending work to other labs, and vice versa, so as much as possible is being done.

Nothing to worry about really (I hope) - you just may have to wait a little bit longer for results.

[helvella in reply to EMBoy]

We certainly hope as well!

Thanks for adding in some coalface information.