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Referral/Sendouts

Corewell Health System, Referral/Sendouts

Cyclospora Outbreak Has Ended

Starting in July 2026, the CDC and public health officials identified a nationwide outbreak of Cyclospora, a protozoan parasite that causes gastrointestinal illness and is transmitted by ingesting contaminated food. Epidemiological data was used to largely associate the outbreak with iceberg lettuce imported from Taylor Farms in Mexico.

As of 9/11/2026, the CDC has declared this outbreak to have ended. Please refrain from ordering Cyclospora testing for current patients with community-acquired diarrhea (Cyclospora stain, LAB3245). Testing data of Corewell Health patients showed a significant prevalence of Cyclospora from July through the first week of August as the outbreak came to an end.

For more information, please see updates from the CDC and MDHHS.

https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/investigation.html

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/infectious-diseases/infectious-disease-outbreaks

September 19, 2026 by
Corewell Health System, Referral/Sendouts

Cyclospora Testing: Collection Reminder

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. Continue Reading

July 7, 2026 by
Corewell Health System, Referral/Sendouts

Collection Update: Cortisol Saliva

As part of our ongoing transition to Quest Diagnostics as our primary reference laboratory, an update has been made to the saliva collection device used for cortisol testing.

Quick Reference

Test: Cortisol, LC/MS, Saliva [Epic: LAB1232015, Interface: 1232015]
Approved Device: BLUE TOP Salivette® Cortisol Tube
Previously Accepted: White top tube
Status of White Top Tubes: No longer accepted – will be rejected
Action: Discard or return white top tubes and reorder blue top tubes via your supply form

Continue Reading

January 23, 2026 by
Corewell Health System, Diagnostic Lab of Michigan, Referral/Sendouts

Send Out Referral Testing Update: Phase Two Transition to Quest Diagnostics

Go-Live Date: December 17, 2025

Following Phase One in November, where tests previously referred to ARUP and some Mayo Clinic Lab tests were transitioned to Quest Diagnostics, we are now moving into Phase Two of this important change. Corewell Health Laboratory is continuing its transition to Quest Diagnostics as our primary reference testing partner.

Continue Reading

December 10, 2025 by
Referral/Sendouts, Southeast Michigan

Meconium Drug Screen Testing Update

Effective December 3, 2025, meconium drug screen testing for Southeast Michigan will transition from ARUP to Corewell Health Reference Laboratory West.

This change ensures consistent, high-quality testing across all Corewell Health regions and clinically standardizes the services we provide as a system.

What’s Changing:

Southeast Michigan specimens will now be tested at Corewell Health Reference Laboratory West

Collection and transport processes remain unchanged.

Purpose of Test:

Meconium drug screen testing detects and documents fetal drug exposure during approximately the last trimester of a full-term pregnancy

For more information, please refer to the Lab Test Directory: Meconium Drug Testing LAB479

November 26, 2025 by
Corewell Health System, Diagnostic Lab of Michigan, Referral/Sendouts, Southeast Michigan, Southwest Michigan, West Michigan

Primary Reference Lab Change to Quest Diagnostics

Effective November 19, 2025

Corewell Health Laboratory is transitioning to Quest Diagnostics as our primary reference testing laboratory. This change means that nearly all referral and send-out tests will now be performed by Quest Diagnostics. A limited number of tests will continue to be sent to other laboratories to ensure we meet the needs of our patients and clinicians.

What You Need to Know:

  • Test Crosswalks: Tests currently performed at ARUP and Mayo Clinic Labs will be matched to comparable tests at Quest Diagnostics.
  • Discontinued Tests: Tests with low utilization or those no longer deemed clinically necessary will be discontinued.
  • New LAB Numbers: All tests will receive new LAB numbers, which must be updated in your EMR compendium if interfaced.
  • Collection Devices: Some tests may require different collection devices.
  • Transition Timeline:
    • November 19, 2025: Focus on tests currently referred to ARUP.
    • December 17, 2025: Focus on tests currently referred to Mayo Clinic Labs.
  • Crosswalk Resources: Crosswalks between current and future test offerings will be provided to help you prepare.
  • Test Directory Access: Please refer to your regional Lab Test Directory for details on specific test changes. ARUP and Mayo Clinic Lab test pages will include links to the corresponding Quest Diagnostic tests.

We understand the significance of these changes and are committed to supporting your practice throughout this transition. Updates and modifications will be communicated promptly.

Contact Information:

  • Corewell Health East Sendouts: 248.551.9045
  • Corewell Health West Referrals: 616.267.2753
  • Or use the Contact Us link above.
October 27, 2025 by
General Information, Referral/Sendouts

Collection Device Update: Referral STI Testing for Pediatric Patients

Effective March 12, 2025, Corewell Health Laboratories will update the STI testing process for patients under 14 years old. These tests will now be sent to Children’s of Wisconsin Laboratory, aligning with the current in-house testing methods for patients 14 years and older using the Alinity m multi collection tube. Previously, these tests were sent to Quest Diagnostics Laboratory using the Aptima® collection device. Please discontinue use of Aptima® collection devices on March 12, 2025. Continue Reading

February 28, 2025 by
Compliance & Safety, General Information, Referral/Sendouts

Weather Impact on Send Out Testing

We want to inform you about an important update regarding T-Spot test collections and deliveries. Due to severe weather conditions expected to affect parts of the United States, we have been advised by our reference laboratory to suspend the collection and sending of this test on Monday, February 17 after 3 p.m. through Tuesday, February 18. Testing collection will begin again on Wednesday, February 19th, unless the request is extended.

This precaution is necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of the specimens, as well as to avoid any potential delays or issues that could arise from the adverse weather. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.

February 17, 2025 by