Browsing Tag

Infectious Disease

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
Advanced Technology Laboratory, General Information, Main lab

Update: COVID-19 Swab Supplies

If you are collecting COVID-19 swabs in your office or clinic, please order and collect using the saline swab kits (“liquid media” or “wet collection”) instead of the tube with no liquid media (“dry collection”).

• Liquid media swab kits will provide a faster turn-around time.

• Dry collection kits supplies are low.

Please refer to the COVID-19 PCR test in the Lab Catalog for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 collection.

• COVID-19 PCR Swab – LAB1230607

Continue Reading

April 8, 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
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 PCR [LAB3255]

♦ 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 Continue Reading

October 20, 2020 by
Main lab, Microbiology

Test Update: Group B Streptococcus PCR Shortage

Test manufacturer supply chains continue to be disrupted due to COVID-19. Currently, there is a shortage of supplies for the Group B Streptococcus PCR test. Orders for this PCR test may continue to be placed, however, the SHRL Microbiology Department will perform a culture method until PCR supplies are available with appropriate charging and a reporting comment indicating that the culture was performed. The PCR test is normally resulted within 24-48 hours of specimen receipt in lab, whereas the culture method turnaround time may be 48-72 hours. An update will be posted when these PCR supplies are received, however, there may continue to be intermittent supply issues for this test. Additional test information can be found here.

July 21, 2020 by