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Jennifer Stumph

General Information, Hematology

CBC Unit Updates

On Monday, November 20, 2023, Corewell Health Laboratories West will adjust several hematology result components units of measure. The numerical results will be unchanged, the metric units will be adjusted to achieve standardization across the system and will align our labs with the International Society of Laboratory Hematology’s recommendations for standardization of hematology reporting units in blood counts.

The following parameter will be adjusted because of this change: Continue Reading

General Information, Hemostasis/Coagulation

New Test: UFH Anti-IIa

Effective August 23, 2023, Corewell Health Coagulation Laboratory will go live with UFH Anti-IIa testing.

The Anti-IIa 2 stage heparin assay is a chromogenic assay for measuring the activity of unfractionated heparin.  This method only tests unfractionated heparin.

This heparin assay is a two stage Anti IIa ( 2 Stages Heparin Assay) based on the inhibition of a constant amount of Thrombin (IIa) by the tested heparin in the presence of exogenous antithrombin. Continue Reading

General Information

Peripheral Smear Interpretation for CBCs performed outside of Corewell Health Laboratories

Please note that there will be a change in the format of pathologist review of outside peripheral blood smear slides that are not from CBCs performed at Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) laboratory facilities. The peripheral smear interpretation will now be found in the anatomic pathology portion of the medical record under an outside consult heading (SO prefix) instead of in the laboratory section near the CBC indices.

This change may result in a different format for your results to be viewed. It may change the type and amount of bill your patients may receive.

If you have any questions, please use the contact us link above or email Michigan Pathology Specialists, P.C.

General Information, Immunochemistry, Main lab, Test Utilization

Protein Electrophoresis Testing Update

In December, serum and urine protein electrophoresis testing will be simplified and standardized.  The only testing available will be:

Protein electrophoresis, serum, IFE if indicated 

Protein electrophoresis, random urine, do IFE if indicated 

Protein electrophoresis, 24 hour urine, do IFE if indicated 

In addition, on December 5, 2019, a new panel will be added which reflects expert recommendations for first line testing for monoclonal gammopathy, including plasma cell myeloma and most cases of amyloidosis, called “Monoclonal Gammopathy Screen

Protein electrophoresis, serum, IFE if indicated 

Kappa and lambda free light chains  Continue Reading

General Information, Immunochemistry

Test Update: Beta-2 Glycoprotein 1 Antibodies

Effective November 5th, testing for Beta-2 Glycoprotein 1 antibodies (IgG and IgM, serum) will change from a reference send out test to Mayo Medical Laboratories to an in-house test available at Spectrum Health Laboratories.  This testing is useful for evaluation of patients of suspected antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

In addition, a new Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Panel will be added which allows for appropriate and complete testing for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. This panel includes:

Lupus Screen

Cardiolipin IgG and IgM Antibodies

Beta-2 Glycoprotein 1 IgG and IgM Antibodies

Continue Reading