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Advanced Technology Laboratory, Compliance & Safety, General Information

Genetic Testing Informed Consent

Submission of an order for any predictive genetic tests and pre-symptomatic genetic tests, as defined by MCL 333.17020, contained in Corewell Health laboratory catalog constitutes certification to Corewell Health Laboratories that the ordering physician understands that written, informed consent is required for these tests and that, by submitting an order for these genetic tests, ordering physician has obtained “Informed Consent” of subject patient as required by any applicable state or federal laws with respect to each test ordered. On occasion, we forward a specimen to an outside reference laboratory. Corewell Health laboratories may request that ordering physician provide such consent to Corewell Health upon a reasonable request.

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November 20, 2023 by
Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, General Information, Main lab, Test Utilization

Inform: RSV Testing – Age Restrictions

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) primarily infects pediatric patients, but occasionally infects adults and may be of particular concern for the elderly and immunocompromised. Corewell Health Laboratories offers two tests for RSV. A rapid antigen test may be used to confirm RSV diagnosis in pediatric patients. This test is not approved by the FDA for testing adult patients, so tests will be cancelled if ordered on an off-label age group. There are no age restrictions for RSV testing by way of a molecular panel that also includes COVID and influenza as viruses with overlapping symptoms.

Test name Epic Test ID Methodology Specimen Age restriction
RSV Rapid LAB495 Antigen Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab Approved for patients 0 – 18 years of age
COVID, Influenza, RSV PCR LAB1230746 Molecular/PCR Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab No age restriction
December 19, 2022 by
Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, General Information, Main lab

COVID-19 Test Update for Regional Hospital Lab Clients

Effective Tuesday, September 27, 2022, the following laboratories will be going live with the GeneXpert Xpress for COVID-19 testing: Big Rapids, Gerber, Ludington, Pennock, Reed City, United, and Zeeland.

Please ensure your sites are stocked with the correct collection devices listed below in preparation of the changeover. Continue Reading

September 19, 2022 by
Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, General Information

Tips for Home Collection

From collection to transport, Spectrum Health Laboratories must have quality specimens to produce accurate results you can trust. A quality specimen is one that has been collected and transported, keeping specimen integrity and patient identification intact. It is important to remind patients to carefully follow all collection and transportation instructions to ensure the sample usable and not tainted.

Please help remind patients:

♦ Submit all specimens as soon as collection is completed. Many tests are time sensitive.

♦ After collection, make sure lid is secured and fastened evenly, as leaky specimens will be rejected.

♦ Keep the container upright at all times.

♦ If a second container is needed, the patient should obtain a second container from the laboratory or draw site. Do not use home containers (i.e. butter container) or bags, as these may contaminate the specimen.

♦ Specimen is labeled clearly with

◊ Patient’s full legal name

◊ Date of birth

◊ Date and time of collection

Warning: Some kits contain preservatives. Please let patients know to not drink, ingest or inhale fumes. If disposal is needed please contact the laboratory.  In case of skin or eye contact, irritation, or swallowing call poison control as soon as possible: 800.222.1222.

For more information, please review “Laboratory Specimen Home Collection Document” or the Lab Catalog for more information.

August 30, 2022 by
Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, General Information

Appropriate Labeling for Shared Specimen – COVID-19 & FLU AB PCR

To provide efficient and safe testing for patient specimens, please review the following information when sending COVID-19 PCR and Influenza A/B PCR testing in the same encounter to Spectrum Health Laboratories.

Two labels will be available for this testing. Labels must be fixed so that

• The test and patient information are shown
• The barcode may be easily scanned by Lab staff or instruments

When this is not done correctly, Laboratory staff removes the labels and re-fixes or re-prints it, which obstructs workflow, causes delays, and could result in patient information being peeled off. With patient safety and efficient testing being two of the Lab’s top priorities, it is vital that specimens arrive in such a way as to best accomplish both. Continue Reading

January 4, 2022 by