New posts will appear below this post. Reviewed 2/3/21, Last updated 12/4/20
If you are PATIENT interested in COVID-19 testing, please refer to: https://www.spectrumhealth.org/covid19
For PROVIDERS that wish to order COVID-19 testing: https://lab.spectrumhealth.org/covid-19/
Self-collected vaginal swabs may be used for STI testing testing as opposed to provider-collected swabs. Self-collected swabs are supported by current clinical guidelines as recent studies have shown their equivalence, if not superiority, in quality and their association with increased patient satisfaction.
NOTE: Self-collection must still take place in a healthcare setting and is not approved for at-home collection.
LAB ORDERS AND COLLECTION CONTAINERS
Aptima™ Vaginal or Multitest Swab
• LAB3522: APTIMA Chlamydia Gonococcus NAAT
• LAB3524: APTIMA Chlamydia NAAT
• LAB3523: APTIMA Gonococcus NAAT
• LAB3525: APTIMA Trichomonas, NAAT
• LAB1230560: APTIMA Mycoplasma Genitalium (MGen), NAAT
• LAB1230566: APTIMA STI Panel, NAAT
Abbott multi-Collect Specimen Collection Kit
• LAB2111533: Chlamydia, Gonococcus, PCR, Genital Swab
• LAB740: Chlamydia only, PCR, Genital Swab
• LAB785: Gonococcus only, PCR, Genital Swab
Patient collection instructions are located on the training page, under How to Collect, “Self Swab for STI Testing“.
REFERENCES
1) Miller, J.M., Binnicker, M.J., Campbell, S, et al. A Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2018 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Society for Microbiology. Clin Infect Dis, 2018; 67: 813-816.
2) Lunny, C., Taylor, D., Hoang, L., et al. Self-Collected versus Clinician-Collected Sampling for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Screening: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis. PLoS One, 2015, 10: e0132776.
3) Korownyk, C., Kraut, R.Y., and Kolber, M. R. Vaginal Self-Swabs for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Can Fam Physician, 2018, 64: 448.
4) Stevermer, J. PURLs: Is self-swabbing for STIs a good idea? J Fam Pract, 2013, 62: 651-653.
5) Geelen, T.H., Rossen, J.W., Beerens A. M. et al. Performance of cobas 4800 and m2000 real-time assays for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in rectal and self-collected vaginal specimen. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 2013, 77: 101-105.
6) Chernesky, M.A., Hook, E.W., Martin, D.H. et al. Women find it easy and prefer to collect their own vaginal swabs to diagnose Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections. Sex Transm Dis, 2005, 32: 729-733.
Effective February 24, 2021, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Xanthochromia results of “Present” will be considered a critical laboratory value.
This change was approved by the MEC and driven by a collaboration between neurology and laboratory departments to assist in expediting the diagnosis and management of patients with possible subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
The following disclaimer will also be attached to all Xanthochromia results: “Xanthochromia is assessed by visual inspection. If the appropriate history and symptoms are present, CSF xanthochromia is suggestive of subarachnoid blood, either as part of an inflammatory reaction such as meningitis, or after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Xanthochromia must be viewed within the appropriate clinical context.”
For any questions, please use the “Contact Us” link above.
TEST INFORMATION:
Cell Count w/ Differential if indicated, Cerebrospinal Fluid – Epic code #LAB2111025, CPT #89050, 89051, 89050, Interface code #10328
The Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory Coagulation Department will be going live with the Helena AggRam analyzer on February 3, 2021. This analyzer uses platelet rich plasma to analyze human platelet aggregation which is measured by absorbance. The following aggregating agents are used in these studies: Arachidonic Acid, ADP, Collagen, Epinephrine, and Ristocetin.
Patients for platelet aggregation studies should be resting, fasting, and non-smoking. Patients should avoid taking any prescription or over the counter medications known to affect platelet function for ten (10) days to two (2) weeks prior to the studies. For a list of medications known to have anti-platelet effects, click here.
Effective December 9, 2020, the following insect allergen components will be available:
◊ Allergen Honey Bee Component Panel – EPIC #LAB1230747, Interface #1230747, CPT 86008
◊ Allergen Common Wasp (Yellow Jacket) Component Panel – EPIC #LAB1230752, Interface #1230752, CPT 86008
◊ Allergen Paper Wasp Component rPol d 5 – EPIC #LAB1230754, Interface #1230754, CPT 86008
◊ Cross-reactive Carbohydrate Determinant (CCD) – EPIC #LAB1230755, Interface #1230755, CPT 86008
To maintain optimal specimen integrity, Spectrum Health Laboratory requests that you load your outdoor lock box properly for winter weather temperatures. Please follow the diagram on the right to prevent freezing of specimens.
Frozen specimen should never be left in the lock box for after-hours pickup. These tests may be better preserved in the office freezer until the next day’s courier pickup.
Request for specimen pickup should be made to the Laboratory Call Center at 616.774.7721.