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Laboratory Services

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

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November 4, 2019 by
Uncategorized

Test Change Summary – September

Troponin T, Blood Level [LAB139] has been replaced with High Sensitivity Troponin T [LAB1230561]

Cardiolipin IgM Ab [LAB3651] and Cardiolipin IgG Ab [LAB3652] have been discontinued. Please order Cardiolipin IgM and IgG Abs [LAB3653]

Drug of Abuse, Pain Clinic, Urine [LAB3382] has been discontinued and replace with Urine Drug Screen with Confirmation (32 Targets) [LAB1230497] or Urine Drug Screen with Confirmation (23 Targets) [LAB1230496]

Blood Drug Screen Comprehensive PC (Pain Clinic) [LAB3574] and Urine Drug Screen Comprehensive PC (Pain Clinic) [LAB3575] have been discontinued and replaced with Drug Analysis Comprehensive, Blood [LAB349] and Drug Analysis Comprehensive, Urine [LAB500]

Kidney Stone Analysis [LAB564] has been updated and has a new order code [LAB1230545]. Note this is a send out to Mayo Clinic Laboratories.

Zinc, Red Blood Cell [LAB1230059] is no longer available and does not have a replacement test.

RA Screen [LAB3324] performed at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Laboratory has been discontinued. The Rheumatoid Factor, Quantitative [LAB206] performed at Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory will be utilized moving forward.

Questions may be directed to Laboratory Services using the “Contact Us” link above.

October 1, 2019 by
General Information, Referral/Sendouts, Test Spotlight

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Testing Options

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) testing is available to be ordered individually on serum or CSF. A panel for multiple Arboviruses is also available on both serum and CSF. Both tests are sent to Mayo Clinical Laboratories.  Please order “Reference Lab Send Out for Miscellaneous Tests” for each test ordered and indicate test name in the required order field. Continue Reading

September 27, 2019 by
General Information, Immunochemistry

HSV Testing Update

In an effort to streamline laboratory processes and provide expedited results, the test Herpes Simplex 1 / 2 IGG IGM was replaced with Herpes Simplex Panel on July 17, 2019.  The new panel will still offer both Herpes IgM and Herpes IgG.  The conversion to this panel will allow the lab to report Herpes IgG results faster.  Continue Reading

July 24, 2019 by
General Information, Hematology

Cell Count Update – Specimen Rejection Criteria

The Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory Hematology Department has updated rejection criteria for the orderables, Cell Count w/ Differential, Body Fluid and Cell Count, Body Fluid.  Spectrum Health Hematology will no longer perform cell counts on specimens which are not from a sterile body cavity (e.g. wound drainage, abscess, pus, etc.).  Unacceptable specimens submitted to the Hematology Department for cell counts will not be performed and the test will be credited. Continue Reading

July 5, 2019 by