As of February 12, 2020 testing for fecal calprotectin will be brought in-house.
As result Calprotectin, Feces (LAB3290) will be replaced with Calprotectin, Feces (LAB1230580).
Please note the following differences between the new and previous test in terms of specimen requirements and reference ranges.
Questions may be directed to the Toxicology Laboratory using the “Contact Us” link above.
Effective Wednesday, December 18, 2019, Cystatin C will change from a sendout reference test performed by Mayo Clinic Laboratories to an in-house test performed by Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory. This test will be performed in the Toxicology Laboratory and will include a new reference range (please see link in Test Information below).
Questions may be directed to Toxicology via the “contact us” link above.
TEST INFORMATION
Cystatin C – Epic Code #LAB3226, Interface #11631, CPT #82610
Effective September 1, 2019, the test Drug of Abuse Screen, Pain Clinic, Urine will be discontinued.
Earlier this year, Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory – Toxicology announced two new drug screen panels, Urine Drug Screen with Confirmation (23 Targets) and Urine Drug Screen with Confirmation (32 Targets) as replacement tests. For more information regarding these new tests please reference this post.
Effective January 19, 2019, Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory – Toxicology is proud to announce the availability of two new drug screen panels:
As of May 8, 2018, the following tests are no longer performed by Spectrum Health Laboratory. These tests are now available through Mayo Medical Laboratories as a send out. Please note that the specimen collection for these tests may have changed. Please check the Laboratory Catalog for collection information.
| Discontinued Test Code | Discontinue Test Name | Replacement Code | Replacement Name |
| LAB752 | Clomipramine Level | LAB1230481 | Clomipramine, Serum |
| LAB683 | Ethosuximide Level | LAB1230480 | Ethosuximide, Serum |
Questions may be directed to the Toxicology Department using the “Contact Us” link above.
On May 17, 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication warning against using venous samples on Point of Care Magellan Diagnostics LeadCare Testing System devices (LeadCare, LeadCare II, LeadCare Plus, and LeadCare Ultra). Venous specimens appear to be at risk for having falsely low results. Only Capillary (“finger stick” or “heel stick”) specimen types should be used.
IF YOUR OFFICE IS USING ANY OF THE MAGELLAN LEADCARE TESTING SYSTEM DEVICES: please DISCONTINUE the use of VENOUS specimens for testing.
Effective September 12, 2016, Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory (SHRL) will update the methodology for Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy Level (25-OH Vitamin D) from LCMS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) to automated immunoassay.
Numerous 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) requests are received daily (1200 in 2015). This is not the standard test for Vitamin D status. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D testing should be reserved for patients with renal disease, sarcoid, tuberculosis, lymphoma and rickets, as well as, long term use of protease inhibitors, glucocorticoids, or anticonvulsants. Vitamin D 25 (25 OH D) level is sufficient in most cases. The number of requests and review of the ordering providers raises a concern that a number of these requests were ordered inappropriately.
In an effort to decrease the number of potential improperly ordered tests and consequently decrease unnecessary costs to patients, insurance companies, and the laboratory, please review your individual ordering practices.
In the near future, this test name will be changed to “Renal 1,25 Dihydroxyvitamin D” to better reflect its appropriate utilization.
Any questions concerning Vitamin D testing may be directed to the Pathology Department.