The following information was updated in the Lab Catalog.
Advanced Technology Laboratory, General Information, Main lab, Referral/Sendouts
The Enteric Pathogens PCR test performed by Spectrum Health Laboratory may be used to detect common pathogenic bacteria and viruses in stool collected from individuals with symptoms of gastrointestinal infection. Specifically, this test detects Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio, Yersinia enterocolitica, Norovirus, Rotavirus, and the Shiga toxin virulence factor. Effective August 17, 2022, Spectrum Health’s Epic EMR will contain new ask-at-order questions to help improve the clinical decision support and appropriate utilization of this testing.
As of July 19, 2022, in alignment with recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the reference range for blood lead testing has been updated from 5 mcg/dL to 3.5 mcg/dL.
This applies to both: Lead, Blood Level [LAB98] and Lead Screen Filter Paper [LAB2111119].
In addition, at this time the low end of reporting for Lead Screen Filter Paper [LAB2111119] has increased from 1 mcg/dL to 2 mcg/dL.
Advanced Technology Laboratory, General Information, Main lab, Referral/Sendouts, Test Utilization
Specimen Collection and Test Updates – June 2022
The following information was updated in the Lab Catalog.
The following information was updated in the Lab Catalog.
Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, Microbiology
Update: Swabs for Cultures without a Source and Order
Effective May 9th, 2022, Spectrum Health Laboratory’s Microbiology Department will no longer be preemptively setting up cultures on swabs without a source and order, when received on Thursdays through Sundays and Holidays. Note: The specimen will still be held, but cultures will not be set up in anticipation of the order.
Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, General Information, Test Utilization
Specimen Collection and Test Updates – April 2022
The following information was updated in the Lab Catalog.