Effective Wednesday, November 13, 2019, the new Mycoplasma genitalium (mgen) assay is now available using the Aptima target nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for the qualitative detection of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from Mycoplasma genitalium to aid in the diagnosis of M. genitalium urogenital infections in male and female patients.
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
To better align with our Allergy Specialists and reduce confusion and costs to patients, we have simplified and standardized our Allergy Panel offerings. These new panels will be available to order beginning Thursday, October 24, 2019. Also effective on this date, several of our old panels will be discontinued.
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.
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.
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.
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.