Influenza – Corewell Health Laboratory

Advanced Technology Laboratory, General Information, Main lab, Test Utilization

Outpatient Respiratory Viral Testing

Spectrum Health Lab has noticed an increase in outpatient orders for Respiratory Pathogens by Film Array [LAB3359]. This may be due to a shortage of supplies for some Point of Care (POC) testing platforms. Film Array is typically used for emergency and high acuity patients and therefore has a high cost that may not be covered by most patients’ insurance. To lesson out of pocket costs for your patients, please order the below for RSV, COVID, or Flu testing. Continue Reading

November 11, 2021 by Laboratory Services

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)

TEST INFORMATION

Test name	Epic code	Interface EMR Code	CPT Code
Influenza PCR	LAB3255	11594	87502
Influenza Rapid Antigen	LAB2111530	11208	87804 x4

September 16, 2021 by Laboratory Services