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Microbiology

Microbiology, Test Spotlight

OSOMⓇ Trichomonas Antigen test replaces Trichomonas Wet Prep

The Trichomonas Wet Prep test has been replaced with the OSOM® Trichomonas Antigen test.

This new lateral flow immunochromatographic test offers enhanced sensitivity through the detection of Trichomonas antigen as opposed to the traditional wet prep method, which relied on the labor intensive microscopic visualization of motile Trichomonas trophozoites. Because this new assay detects antigen as opposed to viable organism, specimen stability is also extended. When collected with a single eSwab™, specimens are stable for up to 24 hours at ambient temperature and 36 hours when refrigerated. Swabs collected for the wet prep method were only stable for 3-5 hours, so there is no longer a need for STAT delivery to the laboratory.

October 31, 2016 by
Education & Training, Microbiology, Test Utilization

Influenza Diagnosis and Test Utilization

In anticipation of “Flu season”, it is valuable to revisit available testing methods for influenza and discuss when each test should be ordered. Though generally a self-limited infection for otherwise healthy individuals, influenza can be particularly severe for high-risk populations including infants, elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised hosts. Influenza incidence is largely seasonal with the majority of cases occurring between December and April of each year. Continue Reading

October 5, 2016 by
Education & Training, Microbiology

Fecal Leukocyte Specimen Collection Update

The collection requirement for Fecal Leukocyte has been updated from Empty Vial (Plain Container) to SAF Preservative (usually yellow lid with clear liquid). Empty vial is still acceptable but SAF Preservative container is preferred.

SAF Preservative container is part of the stool specimen collection kit. Specimen should be sent at ambient temperature and is stable for 7 days, however, for quality of results please send to the laboratory as soon as possible.

Collection requirements are found in our laboratory catalog.

Patient instructions are also found in the catalog.

September 22, 2016 by
Microbiology, Test Utilization

Enteric Pathogens by PCR replacing Stool Culture Orderable

Effective August 18, 2016, the Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory Microbiology Department will begin offering the Verigene® Enteric Pathogens Test, a new rapid molecular test that simultaneously detects and identifies the following pathogenic enteric bacteria, viruses, and toxins that commonly cause acute community-acquired diarrhea. Testing occurs directly from stool in Cary-Blair preservative with a 1 day turnaround time (2-3 days faster than current methods). Continue Reading

August 15, 2016 by
Microbiology

New Orderable: Gram stain for BV and Yeast

The new orderable for the Gram stain for BV and yeast is available

The Gram stain for bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of various vaginal infections. The Gram stain utilizes the Nugent scoring method to evaluate the ratios of Lactobacillus, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus, and Atopobium vaginae. Accurate diagnosis of BV relies upon both the increase in abundance of specific urogenital pathogens (such as Gardnerella) as well as the concordant decrease in the amount of otherwise protective “usual flora” (Lactobacillus). In addition to scoring the abundance of these organisms, the Gram stain may also be used to quantify yeast making suspected contributions to BV. Continue Reading

August 2, 2016 by
Chemistry, Microbiology, Test Utilization

Changes in Reflex Criteria for “Urinalysis, do Culture if Indicated” [Update]

On September 1, 2015, Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory, in conjunction with Infectious Disease, Infection Prevention and Pharmacy, adjusted reflex criteria for urine culture based on urinalysis finding (Urinalysis, Do Culture if Indicated – Test #115, Epic #LAB348, UA CX DO IF). The adjustment involved an increase in the number of WBCs per HPF considered positive (from ≥3 to ≥10). Continue Reading

July 6, 2016 by
Microbiology

Trichomonas Update

In September of 2015, the Microbiology department rolled out the eSwab™ (single swab) collection device. With the new swab in place, we have updated the methodology for Trichomonas (Test #4201, Epic#LAB252) to the OSOM® Trichomonas Rapid Antigen Test. This specimen is now stable for up to 24 hours ambient (room temperature) and up to 36 hours refrigerated, so there is no need to call for a STAT pick up when using the eSwab™ Trichomonas collection.

July 6, 2016 by
Microbiology

FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) Reminder

In March of 2015, the Microbiology department announced new testing for Occult Blood Stool. We now offer Occult Blood, Immunoassay, Screening (Test #4315, Epic #LAB3110) and Occult Blood Immunoassay, Diagnostic (Test #4316, Epic #LAB3093) using the Hemosure® one-step iFOB Test. This technology has improved specificity, sensitivity, accuracy and cost-effectiveness. This test replaced the Guaiac-based test as the recommended test.

The specimen requirements are a sterile container, so patients will no longer be mailing or dropping off cards. Guaiac-based testing is still available but cards are no longer supplied.

Please review this Orderable Spotlight for more information.

July 6, 2016 by
Microbiology

Genital Culture with Gram Stain Discontinuation

On July 1, 2016, Spectrum Health Laboratory  Microbiology Departments discontinued Genital Culture with Gram Stain. Alternative test methods are available and should be ordered specifically for individual pathogens. Please use one of the tests listed below in replacement of Genital Culture with Gram Stain.

Note: This change does not affect Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital Laboratory. Continue Reading

July 6, 2016 by