Browsing Tag

Emergency Medicine

Main lab, Microbiology, Test Utilization

Influenza Testing Reminder

The mitigation strategies enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the spread of this virus have also impacted the transmission of other respiratory viruses. Influenza is typically prevalent during the winter months (December through March), however, influenza cases were essentially non-existent during the 2020-2021 season and influenza is not currently circulating in our community.

In the absence of circulating influenza activity, it is recommended to use the most sensitive diagnostic test in order to obtain accurate and actionable results. Influenza antigen testing (e.g. Sofia instrument) is not appropriate at this time. More detailed information can be found as published by the CDC: Algorithm to assist in the interpretation of influenza testing results and clinical decision-making during periods when influenza viruses are NOT circulating in the community

 

Low Influenza
prevalence		 High influenza
prevalence
Recommended order Influenza PCR (LAB3255) Influenza Rapid Antigen (LAB2111530)
or
Influenza PCR (LAB3255)

 

September 16, 2021 by
Microbiology, Test Spotlight, Test Utilization

Stool Ova & Parasite Exam: New Order Criteria

Effective September 15, 2021, Spectrum Health’s Epic will contain new ask-at-order questions to help improve clinical decision support and appropriate utilization of stool ova and parasite (O&P) testing. O&P testing may be used to diagnose several parasitic infections, though the staining of stool smears and their microscopic review is very labor intensive for laboratories. Historically, O&P testing has been widely ordered for patients with diarrhea, however, there are now other testing options able to detect the most common pathogens associated with community-acquired diarrhea. While Enteric Pathogens PCR and Giardia/Cryptosporidium testing is more appropriate for the identification of common bacterial/viral and parasitic pathogens, respectively, O&P testing should be reserved for patients with specific exposure or immune status criteria.

The Pharmacy and Infectious Disease Stewardship Committee has endorsed the following order criteria for O&P testing. If any of these criteria are met, then then order can be placed.

♦ Past foreign residence or recent foreign travel followed by at least 2 weeks of diarrhea.

♦ Immunocompromised status.

♦ Unexplained microcytic anemia or peripheral eosinophilia.

♦ Unique exposure (daycare, MSM, waterborne outbreak, etc.)

Note: If no criteria are met, cancel the order and consider Giardia/Cryptosporidium Screen (LAB258) or Enteric Pathogens PCR testing (LAB3618).

Please direct question to the Contact Us link above.

 

TEST INFORMATION

Ova and Parasites, Complete – Epic: #LAB9550, Interface Code #50033, CPT #87328, 87329, 87177, 87209

Enteric Pathogens by PCR – Epic #LAB3618, Interface Code #55078, CPT #87506

Giardia/Cryptosporidium Screen – Epic #LAB258, Interface Code #50025, CPT #87329, 87328

 

September 15, 2021 by
Chemistry, Compliance & Safety, General Information

Update: Salicylate Results Reporting

Effective Wednesday, August 18, 2021, to align with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, the Salicylate lower limit of reporting will increase from 0.3 mg/dL to 2.0 mg/dL.

Note: The therapeutic range for Salicylate is 2.0 – 10.0 mg/dL and this test is best utilized for assessment of Salicylate toxicity.

 

TEST INFORMATION

Salicylate Level – Test Codes: Epic #LAB34, Interface #10245, CPT #80329

August 2, 2021 by
Hemostasis/Coagulation

Update: PT/INR Resulting Change

The Spectrum Health Laboratory Coagulation Department announces the following changes occurring on 6.29.21 because of new instrumentation:

• New coagulation instrumentation will go-live on 6.29.21.

• This new instrumentation will align the Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory (in GR) with current Regional/Blodgett reportable upper limit for Protime/INR results.

• The current Protime (PT) upper limit of 120 seconds will change to 90 seconds. Any result that is greater than 90 seconds, will be reported as >90 seconds.

• The current INR upper limit of 12.0 will change to 8.0. Any result that is greater than 8.0 will be reported as >8.0.

Any questions can be directed to the Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory Coagulation Department using the Contact Us link above.

TEST INFORMATION 

PT/INR (Protime with INR): Epic Code #LAB320 | Interface code #10059 | CPT #85610

June 29, 2021 by
Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, General Information

Self-Swab for STI Testing

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.

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February 26, 2021 by
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.
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December 25, 2020 by