Browsing Tag

September 2016

Education & Training, Microbiology, Test Utilization

Influenza Diagnosis and Test Utilization

In anticipation of “Flu season”, it is valuable to revisit available testing methods for influenza and discuss when each test should be ordered. Though generally a self-limited infection for otherwise healthy individuals, influenza can be particularly severe for high-risk populations including infants, elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised hosts. Influenza incidence is largely seasonal with the majority of cases occurring between December and April of each year. Continue Reading

General Information

Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory Celebrates 5 years at 35 Michigan!

Construction of the 35 Michigan building

Construction of the 35 Michigan building

35 Michigan

35 Michigan after construction

On September 24, 2011, Spectrum Health Laboratory undertook a major change and moved the laboratory from Butterworth and Blodgett to a new space on the 6th and 7th floors of 35 Michigan.

The model changed from a two-lab system to a Core Lab at 35 Michigan (Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory) and an immediate response laboratory at Blodgett, creating what are affectionately known as SHRL and BIRL.

In addition to this major change, the lab implemented automation, increasing productivity and decreasing time to result. Continue Reading