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Chemistry

Chemistry, Compliance & Safety, General Information, Hematology, Hemostasis/Coagulation, Microbiology, Referral/Sendouts

CSF Priorities on QNS Specimens

When a Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen arrives into the laboratory and is deemed Quantity Not Sufficient (QNS) for ordered testing, the ordering provider is contacted to identify testing priorities. Occasionally, the laboratory is unable to secure these priorities.

If the lab is unable to secure priorities from the ordering provider within an hour of collection, the following will occur:

1. We will move forward with the Cell count with differential, Culture, and Protein/Glucose

2. The rest of the ordered testing will hold until we can clarify the priorities

Laboratory is partnering with Epic Beaker to discover if a prioritization of orders, upon CSF order entry, is possible.

If you have questions or concerns, please use the “Contact Us” link above.

June 9, 2021 by
Chemistry, Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, General Information, Referral/Sendouts

Preservative For 24 Hour Urine Collections

In both the inpatient and outpatient settings, the laboratory has supplied 24 hour urine containers with preservative such as acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, and boric acid.  Upon review of specimen stability requirements, it has been determined that a preservative is not needed prior to collection of most 24 hour urine tests as long as the 24 hour container is kept refrigerated or on ice during the collection period. Continue Reading

April 1, 2019 by
Chemistry, Compliance & Safety, General Information

Reference Range Update – OB Magnesium, Blood Level

Effective immediately, the OB Magnesium (Mg) reference range has been updated from 1.6 to 2.5 mg/dL to 4.8 to 8.0 mg/dL, to reflect the correct therapeutic range for patients receiving magnesium sulfate therapy. The non-OB magnesium reference range is unchanged.

Please direct questions and inquiries to Dr. Jennifer Stumph via the Contact Us link above.

TEST INFORMATION

OB Magnesium, Blood Level – Epic code #LAB3400, Interface code #11703, CPT code #83735

March 5, 2019 by
Chemistry, General Information

Reference Range Update: Microalbumin AMR

Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory is adjusting the Microalbumin Analytic Measurement Range (AMR) in order to standardize within the Spectrum Health Hospital System and to align with our vendor’s (Roche Diagnostics) recommendations. The lower limit of the Microalbumin AMR will be changed from 0.50 to 1.20 mg/dL. Results below the AMR will now be reported as < 1.20 mg/dL. The upper limit will remain the same at 444.00 mg/dL. Continue Reading

December 11, 2018 by