West Michigan Corewell Health Laboratories and Supply Chain have updated the Laboratory Supply Requisition form and introduced a new workflow, for both Corewell Health and Non-Corewell Health offices. You may now email the completed form to CHLabSupplyRequisitions@CorewellHealth.org, although forms can still be sent with your courier if needed. This new workflow aims to improve communication between our lab courier team and your team members, reducing confusion and the time spent on phone calls for both parties.
Effective March 21, 2025, Corewell Health Laboratories will update the preferred specimen type for β-hCG testing from plasma to serum (mint green top, lithium heparin gel to gold top, serum separator-SST gel). The move to serum is mostly driven by the laboratory’s need to reduce assay performance problems that can occur sporadically with the use of plasma. Although serum is the preferred specimen type plasma will remain an acceptable container.
If you have questions regarding the preanalytical handling process and the optimum tube offering, contact the lab for support.
TEST INFORMATION
On March 12th, 2025, the reporting for Protein Electrophoresis, 24 Hour Urine, do IFE if Indicated (LAB111444) and Protein Electrophoresis, Random Urine, do IFE if Indicated (LAB111445) will be updated to harmonize with Monoclonal Gammopathy Screen (LAB1230573) and Protein Electrophoresis, Serum, IFE if Indicated (LAB844).
The changes that will occur include the following.
- A single interpretive comment (Pathologist Interpretation Urine Protein Electrophoresis) that will encompass both the electrophoresis portion of the test and any immunotyping.
- Quantitation of monoclonal proteins will no longer be part of the interpretation but rather documented as discrete fields under Urine Protein Electrophoresis in result review. As a result, the interpretation will not include a comment about how the monoclonal protein has changed between studies.
- The quantitation of the monoclonal protein will only include mg/24-hour concentration and not the percentage.
TEST INFORMATION
- Protein Electrophoresis, 24 Hour Urine, do IFE if Indicated (LAB111444)
- Protein Electrophoresis, Random Urine, do IFE if Indicated (LAB111445)
Performing department: Immunochemistry (Corewell Health Reference Laboratory-West, Grand Rapids, MI)
A reagent bulletin from Roche has informed us that the recovery of the Anti-TPO assay has been falsely elevated for a reagent lot that was in use at Corewell Health Grand Rapids from September 2024 until March, 3, 2025. Based on the product evaluation, and in conjunction with a product and safety risk assessment, the remaining risk of false positive results with the Elecsys Anti-TPO assay is in the acceptable range.
We apologize for the inconvenience. Please reach out with any concerns or questions.
Best,
Dr. Alvarez
Yasel Alvarez, Ph.D.
Clinical Chemistry and Immunology
Corewell Health Reference Laboratory, West Michigan
Test Information
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody, Blood Level [LAB516]
Clinical Implications
The risk of false positive results with the Elecsys anti-TPO assay is generally acceptable with respect to the given discrepancy.
Resources
Roche Customer Bulletin TP-02316
Cytogenetics, Corewell Health Advanced Technology Laboratory – Grand Rapids, is now offering in-house testing for Biliary Tract Malignancy by FISH.
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.
The following information was updated in the Lab Catalog.
All changes are for Corewell Health West Laboratories. For East and South locations, please visit: corewellhealth.org/labcatalog
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.
Corewell Health Laboratories no longer offers Covid collection observations or collections at any of our draw sites/laboratories.
If your patient is experiencing symptoms and requires a Covid test, please choose one of the options below:
Collect the specimen in your office and send the specimen to any Corewell Health Laboratory or with your Corewell Health Courier, if available.
• Please be sure to place a collected order in Epic or your EMR, or include a paper order with the specimen.
• Please make sure the specimen is labeled with 2 patient identifiers, date and time of collection, and source (nasopharyngeal or nares)
For all other options please visit: Corewell Health COVID-19 screening and testing
NOTE: Walk-in COVID-19 testing is not available at any of our sites, including emergency departments, urgent care locations or walk-in clinics. Testing is available to registered patients who are seeking medical treatment.
The following information was updated in the Lab Catalog.
All changes are for Corewell Health West Laboratories. For East and South locations, please visit: corewellhealth.org/labcatalog