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Laboratory Services

Test Utilization

Test Update: Pathologist Reviews

The test Pathologist Review Peripheral Smear [LAB7550] will become a lab only orderable in the near future. Effective, Monday, May 1, 2023, all provider ordered pathology smear reviews on outpatients will be cancelled by the hematopathologist.  If a pathologist interpretation of the blood smear is still desired, please order a Pathology Consult [LAB1230850], ask for a “general pathology consult” and indicate your question for the pathologist who will be interpreting the blood.

For Corewell Health West Epic Providers (Epic Hyperspace, Epic Community Connect and Epic Care Link) a tip sheet is available for ordering in Epic. If you cannot access the tip sheet or have further questions, please use the contact us link above.

TEST INFORMATION:

Pathology Consult [LAB1230850]

Pathologist Review Peripheral Smear (lab only orderable) [LAB7550]

April 20, 2023 by
Test Utilization

Influenza Testing Update: April 2023

This winter, West Michigan influenza infections peaked in December 2022 and significantly declined throughout February and March 2023. Now with a low prevalence of circulating influenza, using the most sensitive diagnostic test is recommended in order to obtain accurate and actionable results. Influenza antigen testing (e.g. Sofia instrument) is no longer appropriate at this time and Influenza PCR testing should be ordered when clinically indicated. Continue Reading

March 31, 2023 by
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