General Information
As of July 19, 2022, in alignment with recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the reference range for blood lead testing has been updated from 5 mcg/dL to 3.5 mcg/dL.
This applies to both: Lead, Blood Level [LAB98] and Lead Screen Filter Paper [LAB2111119].
In addition, at this time the low end of reporting for Lead Screen Filter Paper [LAB2111119] has increased from 1 mcg/dL to 2 mcg/dL.
Specimen Collection and Test Updates – June 2022
The following information was updated in the Lab Catalog.
The following information was updated in the Lab Catalog.
Update: Swabs for Cultures without a Source and Order
Effective May 9th, 2022, Spectrum Health Laboratory’s Microbiology Department will no longer be preemptively setting up cultures on swabs without a source and order, when received on Thursdays through Sundays and Holidays. Note: The specimen will still be held, but cultures will not be set up in anticipation of the order.
Specimen Collection and Test Updates – April 2022
The following information was updated in the Lab Catalog.
During the week of April 24-30, 2022, we celebrate our Laboratories! Medical Laboratory Professionals Week occurs each year in the last full week of April since 1975.
Spectrum Health Laboratories is a wonderful collection of over 1,000 employees. Our CAP accredited laboratories consist of Pathologists, PhD Clinical Advisors, Lab Scientists, Techs, and Support Teams (includes Phlebotomy, Central Processing, Assistants, Outreach, Administrative and Management).
We have 13 hospital labs supporting 16 counties in West Michigan plus Spectrum Health Reference Laboratory and Advanced Technology Laboratory.
We performed over 8.9 million tests in 2021 of which 526,000 were COVID specimens.
West Michigan influenza infections peaked mid-March 2022 and have been declining in the weeks that followed. Now with a low prevalence of circulating influenza, using the most sensitive diagnostic test is recommended in order to obtain accurate and actionable results. Influenza antigen testing (e.g. Sofia instrument) is no longer appropriate at this time and Influenza PCR testing should be ordered when clinically indicated.
| Low Influenza Prevalence |
High Influenza Prevalence |
|
| Recommended Order | Influenza PCR (LAB3255) | Influenza Rapid Antigen (LAB2111530) or Influenza PCR (LAB3255) |
More detailed information can be found as published by the CDC:
TEST INFORMATION
| Test name | Epic code | Interface EMR Code | CPT Code |
| Influenza PCR | LAB3255 | 11594 | 87502 |
| Influenza Rapid Antigen | LAB2111530 | 11208 | 87804 x4 |