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Laboratory Services

Advanced Technology Laboratory, Molecular Diagnostics

NTRK on Track

NTRK Gene Fusion is Available at Corewell Health West Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory

NTRK genes (NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3) encode tropomyosin receptor kinases (TRK) family of tyrosine protein kinase receptors TRK A, B and C. Trk receptors are composed of extracellular domain regulated by neurotrophins, and intracellular tyrosine kinase domain that activates downstream signaling. Trk receptors play essential roles in the development and maintenance of nervous system. NTRK gene fusion events join the catalytic tyrosine kinase domain of the TRK protein with the dimerization domain of fusion partner to confer ligand-independent downstream signaling which may promote cancer cells to grow.

NTRK Gene Fusion by Archer® FusionPlex platform can detect RNA transcripts of NTRK1/2/3 gene fusion with any partner genes. TRK inhibitors treatment may be considered in patients with NTRK gene fusion positive disease for various types of pediatric and adult cancers.

RNA-based sequencing is the most reliable method for NTRK gene fusion detection. Immunohistochemistry by pan-TRK antibody can provide fast screening for tumors with positive TRK expression. However, RNA based molecular testing is necessary to confirm the presence of true NTRK Gene Fusion event.

Please direct questions and inquiries to the Contact Us link above

 

TEST INFORMATION

NTRK Gene Fusion, Epic order code: LAB1230897, CPT 81194

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.

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

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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

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.

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