Effective June 4, 2025, Corewell Health Laboratories will include a preliminary result of >10000 mIU/mL for Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG + β) (LAB142) specimens that require dilution. The preliminary result will provide a quick insight on the status of the βhCG quantification analysis. It is important to remember that these results are not definitive, therefore final interpretation should be made alongside the fully validated results.
The following information was updated in the Lab Catalog.
All changes are for Corewell Health Laboratories in Southwest and West Michigan. For Laboratories in Southeast Michigan, please visit: corewellhealth.org/labcatalog and navigate to the Southeast Michigan site.
Compliance & Safety
Inclusion of a Third Patient Identifier on Paper-Based Orders to Increase Safety
To enhance patient safety, we are implementing a requirement for paper-based orders arriving with externally collected specimens to include a minimum of three patient identifiers.
Effective June 30, 2025, all paper-based orders (including add-on orders) must include at least three patient identifiers. Patient’s Legal Name and Date of Birth must match the ones on the specimen’s label, and the third must match the identifier in the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Any extra identifiers on the specimen label must also match the ones on the paperwork and in the EHR.
Examples of Patient Identifiers:
The following are examples (though not a comprehensive list) of patient identifiers that can be used to confirm a patient’s identity in the EHR:
- Patient Legal Name (required)
- Date of Birth (required)
- Social Security Number (last four digits)
- Phone Number
- Address
- Zip Code
- Email Address
- Photo ID
By accurately identifying and matching patient information on all documents and specimens, we reduce errors and protect patients from harm.
Unacceptable Orders:
In the event that we receive an unacceptable paper-based order, we will not cancel the order but will follow our downtime labeling process.
Please make sure everyone on your team knows about this new requirement and follows it to keep our patient safety standards high.
Thank you for your cooperation.
The following information was updated in the Lab Catalog.
All changes are for Corewell Health Laboratories in Southwest and West Michigan. For Laboratories in Southeast Michigan, please visit: corewellhealth.org/labcatalog
The following information was updated in the Lab Catalog.
All changes are for Corewell Health Laboratories in Southwest and West Michigan. For Laboratories in Southeast Michigan, please visit: corewellhealth.org/labcatalog
Effective April 2, 2025, the Reflex HPV algorithm will more closely align with ASCCP recommendations. HPV testing will no longer be performed for a normal Pap result in patients aged 30 years and older when a provider orders HPV Reflex.
Specimens will qualify for HPV Reflex with a cytologic diagnosis of:
- ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance) for patients aged 21 and older.
- LSIL (Low Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion) for patients aged 25 and older.
HPV testing will continue to be performed for all Paps, regardless of results, for patients aged 30 years or older when a provider orders Co-Testing.
If a provider wishes to request HPV testing on a normal pap for patients under 30, they must either place an electronic order at the time of the initial pap order or request an add-on test for:
- HPV High Risk Screen with HPV Genotype Reflex – Cervical Source (LAB1231770)
- HPV High Risk Screen with HPV Genotype Reflex – Vaginal Source (LAB1230722)
Updated Pap and HPV Testing Algorithm
West Michigan Corewell Health Laboratories and Supply Chain have updated the Laboratory Supply Requisition form and introduced a new workflow, for both Corewell Health and Non-Corewell Health offices. You may now email the completed form to CHLabSupplyRequisitions@CorewellHealth.org, although forms can still be sent with your courier if needed. This new workflow aims to improve communication between our lab courier team and your team members, reducing confusion and the time spent on phone calls for both parties.
Effective March 21, 2025, Corewell Health Laboratories will update the preferred specimen type for β-hCG testing from plasma to serum (mint green top, lithium heparin gel to gold top, serum separator-SST gel). The move to serum is mostly driven by the laboratory’s need to reduce assay performance problems that can occur sporadically with the use of plasma. Although serum is the preferred specimen type plasma will remain an acceptable container.
If you have questions regarding the preanalytical handling process and the optimum tube offering, contact the lab for support.
TEST INFORMATION
On March 12th, 2025, the reporting for Protein Electrophoresis, 24 Hour Urine, do IFE if Indicated (LAB111444) and Protein Electrophoresis, Random Urine, do IFE if Indicated (LAB111445) will be updated to harmonize with Monoclonal Gammopathy Screen (LAB1230573) and Protein Electrophoresis, Serum, IFE if Indicated (LAB844).
The changes that will occur include the following.
- A single interpretive comment (Pathologist Interpretation Urine Protein Electrophoresis) that will encompass both the electrophoresis portion of the test and any immunotyping.
- Quantitation of monoclonal proteins will no longer be part of the interpretation but rather documented as discrete fields under Urine Protein Electrophoresis in result review. As a result, the interpretation will not include a comment about how the monoclonal protein has changed between studies.
- The quantitation of the monoclonal protein will only include mg/24-hour concentration and not the percentage.
TEST INFORMATION
- Protein Electrophoresis, 24 Hour Urine, do IFE if Indicated (LAB111444)
- Protein Electrophoresis, Random Urine, do IFE if Indicated (LAB111445)
Performing department: Immunochemistry (Corewell Health Reference Laboratory-West, Grand Rapids, MI)