Test manufacturer supply chains continue to be disrupted due to COVID-19. Currently, there is a shortage of supplies for the Group B Streptococcus PCR test. Orders for this PCR test may continue to be placed, however, the SHRL Microbiology Department will perform a culture method until PCR supplies are available with appropriate charging and a reporting comment indicating that the culture was performed. The PCR test is normally resulted within 24-48 hours of specimen receipt in lab, whereas the culture method turnaround time may be 48-72 hours. An update will be posted when these PCR supplies are received, however, there may continue to be intermittent supply issues for this test. Additional test information can be found here.
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Laboratory Services
Advanced Technology Laboratory, Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, General Information, Main lab, Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics, Test Utilization
REMINDER: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) PCR and HSV Culture Orders
Please refer to the below for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) orders:
Education & Training, General Information, Microbiology, Test Utilization
Influenza Testing Reminder (2019 – 2020 Flu Season)
At this time when Influenza prevalence is not widespread in the community, please order “Influenza A/B PCR” [LAB3255] when testing is needed. This applies to patients at all Grand Rapids and regional hospitals, and also system wide ambulatory patients.
Effective May 18, 2020, Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory is pleased to be offering in-house COVID-19 serology testing, with initial availability 1,000 tests per day.
What is Serology Testing?
• Serology testing measures the body’s immune response to COVID-19 infection in the form of antibody production against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
• There is a single COVID-19 serology order available in Epic, however, the Spectrum Health laboratory performs two versions of antibody testing to increase specificity and avoid reporting false positive results. An initial screen will be used to measure total antibody (IgA, IgM, and IgG), and positives will be confirmed by a second method that is specific to IgG.
• Specificity is critical when the expected prevalence in a community is low. This serology testing is not expected to cross-react with other circulating coronaviruses that cause the common cold.
• A positive IgG result indicates previous infection with COVID-19, but does not indicate immunity or protection against future infection.
• This test should not be used to detect acute COVID-19 disease. Symptomatic patients suspected to have acute COVID-19 infection should be tested using a molecular assay.
• Whether positive or negative for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies, serology testing results do not support easing of behaviors such as social distancing, wearing masks, or hand hygiene.
Effective April 30, 2020, Spectrum Health Laboratories will no longer be performing the D-Dimer Semi-Quantitative assay. D-Dimer (quantitative) will be the only orderable for the D-Dimer assay. This D-Dimer will be reportable up to 35,000 ng/mL FEU. The cut-off value used in the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism (PE) remains at 500 ng/mL FEU. It is important to note inpatients can be (falsely) elevated in many underlying non-thrombotic conditions common in hospitalized patients.
Questions and inquiries regarding this change may be sent to the Coagulation Department using the “Contact Us” link above.
TEST INFORMATION
D-Dimer – [Epic Code: LAB313, Interface Code: 10123, CPT 85379]
Discontinued: D-Dimer Semiquantitative for DIC [Epic Code: LAB760, Interface Code: 10122, CPT: 85378]
General Information, Immunochemistry
Immunochemistry ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) Testing Name Update
Effective April 22nd, 2020, the following ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) Tests’ name will be updated. The change in naming convention comes in hopes of enhancing proper test utilization. This update includes only the name change with no changes in laboratory testing workflow.
| Old Test Name | New Test Name | Test Code | Clinical Utility |
| ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) Screen, Double Reflex to ANA IFA Hep2 Titer and Pattern, and if positive to ANA antibodies | ANA screen | LAB1230491 | Preferred initial ANA screen for autoimmune connective tissue diseases. |
| ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies), Hep2 Substrate IFA with reflex to Titer and Pattern if positive | IFA ANA (Rheumatology)
|
LAB3540 | Preferred confirmatory ANA test for autoimmune connective tissue diseases. With ordering recommendations for rheumatology only. |
Advanced Technology Laboratory, Cytogenetics, General Information, Referral/Sendouts
Test Update: Chromosome Analysis Breakage Study
Effective immediately, due to low test utilization and the high cost of maintaining proficiency, the Chromosome Analysis Breakage Study will no longer be offered by the Spectrum Health Cytogenetics Department.
If need arises for this test, please place an order for a Reference Miscellaneous (EPIC# LAB848) and enter “Test 140 DEB Breakage Study to Integrated Genetics” in the comments. The testing will be sent out through Spectrum Health Referrals Department to Integrated Genetics.
Advanced Technology Laboratory, Education & Training, General Information, Referral/Sendouts
Covid-19 Information
New posts will appear below this post.
Updated 6/25/20
Spectrum Health Laboratories is accepting COVID test orders from Spectrum Health and outside providers. For additional information, please refer to our Outpatient Provider Office Collection Information Packet. This packet contains ordering and supply information as well as other related information.
•Spectrum Health Laboratory offers nasal self-collection observation at select draw sites.
•If you’re interested in having your patient tested via nasopharyngeal swab and you cannot collect specimens in your office, please direct your patient to the screening hotline: 833.559.0659. Screening is required before COVID collection and testing can occur for the hotline.
Providers: COVID-19 testing criteria:
LINK: Symptoms of COVID-19 (CDC guidelines)
LINK: Testing criteria (CDC guidelines)
Facilities: If you would like to receive testing for your staff and/or residents please follow these instructions:
•Call: 616-486-1075 or
•Email: covidemployerhotline@spectrumhealth.org
Outpatient Draw Site Hours:
Outpatient draw site hours and availability may have changed. Please refer to Find-A-Doc for more information.
• Link: Find-A-Doc Location
Preferred Collection:
Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs are the preferred specimen type.
Link: Nasopharyngeal Collection
If NP swabs cannot be collected, anterior nasal swabs may be collected as an alternative with slightly reduced sensitivity.