Browsing Tag

Oncology

General Information, Immunochemistry, Main lab, Test Utilization

Protein Electrophoresis Testing Update

In December, serum and urine protein electrophoresis testing will be simplified and standardized.  The only testing available will be:

Protein electrophoresis, serum, IFE if indicated 

Protein electrophoresis, random urine, do IFE if indicated 

Protein electrophoresis, 24 hour urine, do IFE if indicated 

In addition, on December 5, 2019, a new panel will be added which reflects expert recommendations for first line testing for monoclonal gammopathy, including plasma cell myeloma and most cases of amyloidosis, called “Monoclonal Gammopathy Screen”

Protein electrophoresis, serum, IFE if indicated 

Kappa and lambda free light chains  Continue Reading

November 22, 2019 by
General Information, Immunochemistry

Test Update: Beta-2 Glycoprotein 1 Antibodies

Effective November 5th, testing for Beta-2 Glycoprotein 1 antibodies (IgG and IgM, serum) will change from a reference send out test to Mayo Medical Laboratories to an in-house test available at Spectrum Health Laboratories.  This testing is useful for evaluation of patients of suspected antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

In addition, a new Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Panel will be added which allows for appropriate and complete testing for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. This panel includes:

Lupus Screen

Cardiolipin IgG and IgM Antibodies

Beta-2 Glycoprotein 1 IgG and IgM Antibodies

Continue Reading

November 4, 2019 by
Advanced Technology Laboratory, Cytogenetics, Flow Cytometry, General Information, Molecular Diagnostics

Advanced Technology Laboratory plays an important role in Oncology

Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory (SHRL) was featured on EightWest on WOOD TV8 on Tuesday, August 30, 2016. Dr. Stephanie F. Williams, Division Chief of Spectrum Health Adult Bone and Marrow Transplant, and Kim Collison, Director of Laboratory Services, talk about the importance and benefits of having SHRL’s Advanced Technology Laboratory right here in West Michigan.

The Advanced Technology Laboratory is “extremely important, particularly for patients with certain cancers…”

“It helps us to diagnose the patients faster and more accurately; to follow the progress of their disease during the treatments that we give, and even at times to guide us in what is the best treatment for a patient…”

“Within 2 hours we had the answer. We did not have to send that specimen out to another laboratory in another state.”

-Stephanie F. Williams, MD, Division Chief, Spectrum Health Adult Bone and Marrow Transplant

August 31, 2016 by
Advanced Technology Laboratory, Cytogenetics, Molecular Diagnostics, Test Spotlight

Lung Cancer Mutation Analysis Panel provides targeted treatments for patients

The treatment of non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma has become more successful due to targeted treatments based on the molecular profile of a patient’s particular tumor. The Lung Cancer Mutation Analysis panel is now available for clinical testing at the Spectrum Health Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL).  Continue Reading

June 30, 2016 by
Hematology

Peripheral Blood Smear Reminder

As of January 12, 2016, pathologist review of peripheral blood smear ordered without accompanying CBC with differential will reflex to adding on a CBC and/or differential in the laboratory. Blood specimens that do not have a slide prepared need to be less than 6 hours old for a pathologist review to be added on.

This is due to the fact that older blood does not smear well and morphology is compromised, especially red cell morphology. This allows for a complete documentation of the patient’s CBC and differential findings in the electronic medical record and standardizes our process among the regional hospitals.

Any questions concerning Peripheral Blood Smear reflexes should be directed to Dr. Jennifer Stumph, Director of Hematology.

April 6, 2016 by