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Laboratory Services

Test Utilization, West Michigan

Improving Lupus Testing Accuracy: New Protocol Launching October 10, 2025

Effective October 10, 2025, Corewell Health Reference Laboratory West will implement an updated protocol for the Lupus Screen (LAB478). This change is designed to improve diagnostic accuracy for patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy, where false-positive or false-negative results can complicate clinical decision-making.

Recent studies have demonstrated that anticoagulants, particularly direct Xa inhibitors, can significantly affect Lupus testing outcomes. To mitigate this, our laboratory is implementing best practices as outlined in the following sources:

  • Favaloro EJ, Res Pract Thromb Haemost. 2024;8(3):102385
  • Favaloro EJ, Res Pract Thromb Haemost. 2022;6(2):e12676
  • Dr. Goodwin’s article in CAP Today, “D-dimer reporting, INR among the variables that matter” August 2025

These sources emphasize the importance of screening for anticoagulants prior to Lupus testing to avoid misleading results.

What’s Changing?

Before performing the Lupus Screen, the lab will now run a UFH anti-Xa assay to detect anticoagulant presence. Based on the results:

  • If the UFH anti-Xa < 0.10 IU/mL
    → Lupus Screen will be performed similar to current process.
  • If the UFH anti-Xa > 1.0 IU/mL
    → It will be reported with the following comment:
    “Testing indicates the presence of a direct Xa inhibitor or other novel anticoagulant that may lead to a false negative or positive test result. Repeat testing once the patient is free of anticoagulant therapy is recommended if clinically indicated”
    → Lupus Screen test will be cancelled.
  • If the UFH anti-Xa results between 0.10 and 1.0 IU/mL
    → An aPTT Heparin Neutralization assay (Epic Test ID: LAB3377) will be performed:

    • If heparin is neutralized → Lupus Screen proceeds
    • If heparin is not neutralized → Lupus Screen test is canceled with the same comment as above.

This protocol ensures that Lupus testing is only performed when results are likely to be reliable, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis due to anticoagulant interference. Providers are encouraged to consider timing of anticoagulant therapy when ordering Lupus testing.

Questions?

For any questions or concerns, please contact the hematopathologist covering coagulation services, or the on-call hematopathologist after hours.

General Information, Southwest Michigan, West Michigan

Temporary Disruption in Requisition Printing – October 15 to November 3

Due to a vendor transition for printing services at Corewell Health Laboratories Southwest and West, there will be a temporary pause in printing paper requisitions and forms.

Disruption Dates:
October 15 – November 3, 2025

What You Need to Know:

  • No requisitions or forms will be printed or distributed during this time.
  • If you anticipate needing paper requisitions or forms, please email CHWLabServices@corewellhealth.org by October 14 to place an advance order.
  • Orders received during the disruption period will be held and processed on November 3, once printing resumes.

We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Compliance & Safety, Southwest Michigan, West Michigan

Lab Catalog URL Update – Action Required by December 31, 2025

Effective December 31, 2025, the URL corewellhealth.testcatalog.org will be discontinued.
There will be no automatic redirect to the new site.

To avoid disruption of service, please update your saved links or browser favorites for the Lab Catalog (also known as the Lab Test Directory) to:

👉 corewellhealth.org/labcatalog

This landing page allows you to select the appropriate region for you or your patient’s specimen and will always direct you to the most up-to-date catalog URL for your area.

Update your bookmarks today to ensure uninterrupted access to lab testing information.

Southeast Michigan

Discontinuation of Pearl Top Tube Utilization

Updated 10/1/2025

Effective 10/1/2025, 5 mL Pearl top tubes will no longer be utilized for high sensitivity troponin testing at Corewell Health East Laboratories. In lieu of pearl top tubes, 4 mL lavender top tubes will be the preferred tube type for High sensitivity troponin testing. Should a Pearl top tube be sent for high sensitivity Troponin testing, it will still be accepted and testing performed.

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