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.

March 20, 2023 by
Toxicology

Update to Vitamin D Testing

Effective February 28th, 2023, Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Level (25-OH Vitamin D) [LAB535] will be replaced by 25-Hydroxyvitamin Level D2 and D3 [LAB1230925]. Send out testing for 25-Hydroxyvitamin D2 and D3, Serum [LAB1230428] to Mayo will be discontinued. The testing methodology will change from an immunoassay to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The new test will include concentrations for

  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D2
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D3
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D Total

Continue Reading

February 22, 2023 by
General Information

Albumin Testing Update

Albumin Reagent Conversion

Corewell Health Laboratories (formerly Spectrum Health) has utilized the Bromcresol Purple (BCP) method for the measurement of albumin concentration in serum, plasma, and serous body fluids for well over 20 years. The test principle consists of a reaction where the BCP binds selectively with albumin, causing a color change that is measured photometrically. A vast majority of labs across the country, including reference labs such as Mayo Medical Laboratories, utilize an alternative method for albumin measurement that consists of Bromcresol Green (BCG) instead of BCP. To align with the majority of institutions this size, and to be included in a larger peer group for proficiency testing purposes, Corewell Health Laboratories – West, has been transitioning to BCG for the measurement of albumin over the last few weeks. Continue Reading

January 26, 2023 by
Advanced Technology Laboratory

New Tests: Trichomonas PCR, Mycoplasma genitalium PCR, and STI Panel (Alinity)

New Test Announcement

Corewell Health Advanced Technology Laboratory is pleased to announce the addition of Trichomonas, Mycoplasma Genitalium (Mgen), and STI Panel testing on the Alinity m platform.

As of 1/5/2023, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) STI tests are available using the Alinity m collection kit and a panel which includes the above plus Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG).

All four tests may be run on one urogenital sample, saving cost and time, and reducing human error.

Continue Reading

January 13, 2023 by
Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, General Information, Main lab, Test Utilization

Inform: RSV Testing – Age Restrictions

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) primarily infects pediatric patients, but occasionally infects adults and may be of particular concern for the elderly and immunocompromised. Corewell Health Laboratories offers two tests for RSV. A rapid antigen test may be used to confirm RSV diagnosis in pediatric patients. This test is not approved by the FDA for testing adult patients, so tests will be cancelled if ordered on an off-label age group. There are no age restrictions for RSV testing by way of a molecular panel that also includes COVID and influenza as viruses with overlapping symptoms.

Test name Epic Test ID Methodology Specimen Age restriction
RSV Rapid LAB495 Antigen Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab Approved for patients 0 – 18 years of age
COVID, Influenza, RSV PCR LAB1230746 Molecular/PCR Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab No age restriction
December 19, 2022 by