Last updated 12/12/2023, last reviewed 12/12/2023 by Laboratory Services
PATIENTS interested in COVID-19 TESTING, please refer to the Corewell Health COVID-19 Page: https://www.spectrumhealth.org/covid19/screening-and-testing
FACILITIES that would like to receive TESTING for STAFF and/or RESIDENTS, please contact: 616.486.1075 or email covidemployerhotline@spectrumhealth.org.
The following information is for OUTPATIENT PROVIDERS, APPS and CLINICIANS that wish to order COVID-19 testing. Corewell Health Inpatient and Emergency Department providers, please refer to InSite.
TEST UTILIZATION
Nares vs Nasopharyngeal (document)
Symptoms of COVID-19 (CDC guidelines)
Corewell Health is not able to provide return-to-work/school or testing for travel purposes.
HOW TO ORDER
1. In Corewell Health Epic, Epic Community Connect or EpicCare Link:
COVID-19 PCR [LAB1230607] ~OR~ COVID-19, Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV PCR [LAB1230746]
Please answer all Ask at Order Entry questions. If you are unsure how to place an order for lab testing, please go to the Epic Training page on InSite or contact your Epic trainer.
2. In your EMR:
COVID-19 PCR (Swab) – Order alias: 1230607 ~OR~ COVID-19, Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV PCR – Order alias: 1230746
Please answer all Ask at Order Entry questions. If you have questions, please direct them to your EMR vendor or the Corewell Health eSHare team via helpdesk ticket.
3. If you are unable to order electronically
Please fill out a paper requisition: COVID-19 Requisition
ONCE THE ORDER IS PLACED
There must be an order in the system, see how to order above.
If you collect the specimen in your office:
Make sure the specimen container and the order match!
Full, legal patient name
Date of birth
Specimen collection date
Specimen collection time
Specimen source (nares or nasopharyngeal)
Make sure the cap is secure. Leaky specimens may cause compromised results and may erase patient data on the tube.
Specimen containers with incorrect patient information may be discarded. Please follow the directions above.
Electronic order (Epic/EMR interface): Make sure to mark the specimen as collected.
Paper order: Send the paper order with the specimen.
Please also review “Supplies for Collection in Office” below
If you are not collecting the specimens in the office and need to route your patient to a collection site:
As of June 7, 2023 the outpatient draw sites/laboratories do not collect or observe collections for COVID swabs or any swab testing.
Walk-in COVID-19 testing is not available at any of our sites, including emergency departments, urgent care locations or walk-in clinics. Testing in the emergency department, urgent care location or walk-in clinic only is available to registered patients who are seeking medical treatment.
More information available: Corewell Health COVID-19 screening and testing
SUPPLIES FOR COLLECTION IN OFFICE
If you are a Corewell Health location (CH/CHMG), please order supplies via Workday.
Please refer to the test catalog for specimen collection information: COVID-19
If you are a non-Corewell Health entity and are a Corewell Health Client and have a routine Corewell Health Laboratory courier
Please fill out a supply form: COVID Supply form or write in “COVID Swabs” on your supply form.
Please allow 3 – 5 business days for delivery.
Please refer to the test catalog for specimen collection information: COVID-19
There are multiple COVID-19 specimen collection media available for testing. We realize that you may order a particular type of swab or media, however, be aware that we may change your order to a different type swab or media depending on availability. Please be assured that the swab or media you will be receiving can still be used for COVID-19 specimen collection.
As the demand for testing increases, the quantity of supplies delivered may vary from your original order depending on supply availability.
If you do not have a courier route with Corewell Health Laboratories, please use the Lab Request link at the top of the page to begin the client account set-up. This may take 2-4 weeks to complete.
IN OFFICE COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS
PPE Guidelines
Laboratory Specimen Collection: COVID-19 Test Information
Reminders:
Make sure specimen is properly labeled with 2 patient identifiers
Make sure label is placed correctly: Label placement guide
Immediately refrigerate specimen after collection and maintain at this temperature during transport to lab or pickup by courier.
TRANSPORTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFICE COLLECTIONS
Cold packs/pouches should be used in a Styrofoam, or similar type, cooler to transport priority transport bags containing specimens. It is imperative to keep specimen bags dry.
Courier Pick Up: If you have a routine courier route set up, please wait for your courier to pick up specimens in your office or lockbox. Make sure lockbox is properly packed for refrigerated specimens.
Specimen Drop Off: If you do not have a routine courier route set up, please drop off the specimen at the Corewell Health Medical Center in Grand Rapids, MI (maintain refrigerated transport temp)
Instructions for specimen drop off
OBTAINING RESULTS
Results will be sent electronically or via fax to the ordering provider based on the information currently in our system, once the test has been completed and verified. This may take up to 3 days or more. As the demand for testing increases, turnaround time may be impacted.
Your patient will also receive their results immediately in MyChart, Corewell Health’s patient portal.
Further patient care, notifications and return to work orders should be completed by your practice.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Health Care Professional Resources (including PPE and Disinfection)
Lab Test Directory and Specimen Collection Guides
Ordering and Collection Information
COVID-19 Testing Platforms with Fact Sheet for Providers and Patients
COVID 19 PCR testing has been issued an emergency use authorization by the FDA. For more information about the test and its authorized use, please see FDA Emergency Use Authorizations.
If you have further questions or inquiries, please use the “contact us” link above.
Note: this email is monitored Monday – Thursday from 8am – 4pm, Friday from 8 am – 12 pm, excluding holidays. You will be contacted in 2-5 business days.
To maintain optimal specimen integrity, Corewell Health Laboratories West requests that you load your lockbox properly for winter weather temperatures. Please follow the diagram on the right to prevent freezing of specimens.
