Please refer to the below for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) orders:
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Infectious Disease
Effective May 18, 2020, Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory is pleased to be offering in-house COVID-19 serology testing, with initial availability 1,000 tests per day.
What is Serology Testing?
• Serology testing measures the body’s immune response to COVID-19 infection in the form of antibody production against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
• There is a single COVID-19 serology order available in Epic, however, the Spectrum Health laboratory performs two versions of antibody testing to increase specificity and avoid reporting false positive results. An initial screen will be used to measure total antibody (IgA, IgM, and IgG), and positives will be confirmed by a second method that is specific to IgG.
• Specificity is critical when the expected prevalence in a community is low. This serology testing is not expected to cross-react with other circulating coronaviruses that cause the common cold.
• A positive IgG result indicates previous infection with COVID-19, but does not indicate immunity or protection against future infection.
• This test should not be used to detect acute COVID-19 disease. Symptomatic patients suspected to have acute COVID-19 infection should be tested using a molecular assay.
• Whether positive or negative for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies, serology testing results do not support easing of behaviors such as social distancing, wearing masks, or hand hygiene.
Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics, Referral/Sendouts, Test Utilization
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) PCR Testing Update
Click on images for printable pdf version.
Effective Wednesday, November 13, 2019, the new Mycoplasma genitalium (mgen) assay is now available using the Aptima target nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for the qualitative detection of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from Mycoplasma genitalium to aid in the diagnosis of M. genitalium urogenital infections in male and female patients.
Effective Monday, March 25, 2019, Syphilis Antibody Screen IgG [LAB3076] will change to Syphilis Total Antibody Screen [LAB1230501]. This test is also included in the Prenatal Screen (OB Panel) [LAB1230094].
Effective July 2, 2018, ionized magnesium (#LAB805) testing at Spectrum Health will be discontinued due to low volume.
Influenza is currently widespread throughout the nation at epidemic proportions. During influenza epidemics, clinical assessment predicts the presence of influenza infection virtually as well as laboratory testing. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to perform viral testing on ambulatory patients who present with illness consistent with influenza before beginning antiviral treatment. Antiviral treatment for Influenza should be started as soon as possible to have a beneficial effect.
Shortages of supplies and medications frequently occur during Influenza epidemics. However, diagnosis of specific viral respiratory infection remains important for hospitalized patients.
Please follow the current recommendations:
- Limit availability of viral transport media at ambulatory sites.
- Emergency departments are to limit viral respiratory testing to patients expected to be admitted.
- Do not perform testing for test of cure.
Thank you for your support during this time. Please direct any questions to Laboratory Services via the “contact us” link above.
Microbiology, Test Utilization
Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory Discontinues Influenza Rapid Antigen Testing
There has been a minor change to the influenza testing methods performed by the Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory (SHRL) to improve the accuracy and timeliness of patient results, while simplifying the ordering process for providers. In past years during respiratory illness season, the lab performed influenza rapid antigen testing due to its low cost and rapid turnaround time, with negative specimens reflexed to PCR for confirmatory testing. Approximately 85% of specimens tested by a rapid antigen method typically reflexed, with those patients charged for performing both tests.
As of July 11, 2017, Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory will offer Streptococcus pneumoniae urine antigen testing. This testing is currently sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories. By bringing testing in-house, result turnaround time will be improved by 1 day, testing will be available 7 days per week (instead of Monday – Friday), and testing can be offered at a reduced charge to our patients.