Since launching in January 2026, Diagnostic Lab of Michigan (DLM) has moved from organizational formation to active implementation. Corewell Health and Quest Diagnostics teams are advancing the facility, technology and operational work needed to support the new laboratory model.
Teams are advancing laboratory information technology, connectivity, interfaces and test-menu alignment. Physicians will continue to place laboratory orders and receive results in the Corewell instance of EPIC. As an organization, Quest is in the process of converting all laboratories from Q-Suite to EPIC Beaker by 2030. At go-live, DLM will also utilize Q-Suite, but will transition to EPIC Beaker along with the rest of Quest Diagnostics’ Greater Midwest Region in the following years. For outreach laboratory orders there will be minimal changes in EPIC functionality and clinical workflows. The physician advisory committee is engaging clinical stakeholders to help design future workflows, training for physicians, and the optimal laboratory service experience. Looking forward, this group will be evaluating differences in views for lab specimen status changes, how cancelled orders are communicated and other anticipated minor workflow changes.
To prepare for delivering high-quality, patient-centered laboratory services, our cross-functional teams are developing:
This work is intended to support safe, reliable laboratory services and continuity of care, creating a sustainable operating model that supports patients, physicians, clinicians and communities across Michigan.
As DLM continues to take shape, the organization will continue advancing its brand identity, mission, vision, and market presence while preparing for future implementation milestones.
DLM has established a phased migration strategy for moving clients, systems and services into the new environment. The phased approach is designed to maintain operational stability and minimize disruption for physicians, clinicians, patients and team members.
Additional communications will be shared in the months ahead to help physicians, clinicians, and team members to provide more visibility into when testing moves into the laboratory and to prepare for upcoming process and workflow changes.
Key update
The Respiratory Pathogen Panel PCR (LAB3359) detects several viral and bacterial pathogens, however, is often overutilized and rarely impacts patient management. To promote evidence-based stewardship, reduce overutilization, and encourage more targeted molecular testing, effective September 2, 2026 clinicians must provide a clinical indication when ordering the Respiratory Pathogen Panel PCR in Epic.
Effective September 1, 2026, patients returning specimens to Corewell Health outpatient laboratory locations will only be able to drop off specimens during the laboratory’s posted business hours.
To ensure appropriate specimen handling, preservation, and timely processing, specimens will not be accepted outside of outpatient laboratory operating hours. Inpatient laboratory staff and laboratory technicians will not accept outpatient specimens after outpatient laboratory services have closed for the day.
We ask that:
This change applies to all outpatient specimen drop-offs at participating Corewell Health outpatient laboratory locations.
Please note that specimens presented outside of outpatient laboratory business hours may be rejected, and patients may be required to recollect their specimen if applicable stability requirements cannot be met.
We appreciate your partnership and assistance in communicating this change to patients. If you have any questions, please contact the Laboratory Services Team.
To help ensure accurate results and avoid specimen collection delays, please note the specific collection requirements for this test. Cyclospora testing requires specific collection and preservative requirements that may differ from routine stool studies. Please ensure your office has the appropriate collection supplies available if you anticipate ordering this test.
As a reminder, in observance of the Independence Day holiday, all Corewell Health Laboratory Patient Service Centers (drawstations) will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Per our holiday schedule, when a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the preceding Friday. Therefore, our drawstations will be closed on Friday, July 3, as the observed holiday, and will remain closed on Saturday, July 4.
