In an effort to streamline laboratory processes and provide expedited results, the test Herpes Simplex 1 / 2 IGG IGM was replaced with Herpes Simplex Panel on July 17, 2019. The new panel will still offer both Herpes IgM and Herpes IgG. The conversion to this panel will allow the lab to report Herpes IgG results faster.
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The Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory Hematology Department has updated rejection criteria for the orderables, Cell Count w/ Differential, Body Fluid and Cell Count, Body Fluid. Spectrum Health Hematology will no longer perform cell counts on specimens which are not from a sterile body cavity (e.g. wound drainage, abscess, pus, etc.). Unacceptable specimens submitted to the Hematology Department for cell counts will not be performed and the test will be credited.
Chemistry, Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, General Information, Referral/Sendouts
Preservative For 24 Hour Urine Collections
In both the inpatient and outpatient settings, the laboratory has supplied 24 hour urine containers with preservative such as acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, and boric acid. Upon review of specimen stability requirements, it has been determined that a preservative is not needed prior to collection of most 24 hour urine tests as long as the 24 hour container is kept refrigerated or on ice during the collection period.
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].
Spectrum Health has been informed by Roche Diagnostics that the proprietary reagents used to calibrate our instruments and determine control values for ferritin blood level have been updated to reflect deviation of results leading to low result bias. This may have led to patient results being up to 20% lower than actual ferritin level.
Chemistry, Compliance & Safety, General Information
Reference Range Update – OB Magnesium, Blood Level
Effective immediately, the OB Magnesium (Mg) reference range has been updated from 1.6 to 2.5 mg/dL to 4.8 to 8.0 mg/dL, to reflect the correct therapeutic range for patients receiving magnesium sulfate therapy. The non-OB magnesium reference range is unchanged.
Please direct questions and inquiries to Dr. Jennifer Stumph via the Contact Us link above.
TEST INFORMATION
OB Magnesium, Blood Level – Epic code #LAB3400, Interface code #11703, CPT code #83735
Blood Bank, Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, Test Utilization
Reminder: Choosing Wisely Recommendations for Blood Products
As part of the Choosing Wisely campaign, the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) released five recommendations for transfusions: