Effective March 17, 2021, COVID-19 Serology Testing will be updated from COVID-19 IgG Antibody to COVID-19 Total Antibody
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Emergency Medicine
Self-collected vaginal swabs may be used for STI testing as opposed to provider-collected swabs. Self-collected swabs are supported by current clinical guidelines as recent studies have shown their equivalence, if not superiority, in quality and their association with increased patient satisfaction.
NOTE: Self-collection must still take place in a healthcare setting and is not approved for at-home collection.
Effective February 24, 2021, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Xanthochromia results of “Present” will be considered a critical laboratory value.
This change was approved by the MEC and driven by a collaboration between neurology and laboratory departments to assist in expediting the diagnosis and management of patients with possible subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
Advanced Technology Laboratory, Main lab, Referral/Sendouts
RESOLVED-Update: STD Testing Supply Shortage
As of 5/18/2021 – Production of collection kits is no longer limited. Please resume normal ordering practices.
There is a national shortage of testing and collection material for Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) and Gonococcal (GC) infections. Spectrum Health is currently experiencing difficulties obtaining collection kits to perform the testing for all methods.
General Information, Microbiology, Referral/Sendouts, Test Utilization
Obsoletion of Mayo Send-Out Test Influenza Virus A/B Antibodies, IgG and IgM
As of October 29, 2020, the following send-out tests will be will become obsoleted due to lack of clinical utility:
♦ SFLA Influenza Virus A Antibodies, IgG and IgM (Separate Determinations), Serum [LAB802]
♦ SFLB Influenza Virus B Antibodies, IgG and IgM (Separate Determinations), Serum [LAB803]
For diagnosis of acute Influenza infection the following molecular tests are recommended:
♦ Influenza A/B Rapid [LAB9240]**
♦ Influenza A/B Rapid, Influenza A/B PCR if Negative [LAB2111530]**
**Available only at regionals and during times of high flu incidence
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 March 4th, 2020, Thrombin Time 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 Coagulation Laboratory and will include a new reference range (please see link in Test Information below).
Thrombin Time is suitable for monitoring fibrinolysis therapy, screening for disorders of fibrin formation and in cases of suspected fibrinogen deficiency states. It is also useful for the differentiation between a heparin induced prolongation of the thrombin time and fibrin formation disorders.
For questions around this test, please contact the Coagulation Department at 616-267-2740.
TEST INFORMATION
Thrombin Time – Epic Code: #LAB11230581, Interface Code: #11230581, CPT: #85670