General Information, Immunochemistry

Immunochemistry Methodology Update

Effective December 11th, 2019, Spectrum Health Regional Laboratory’s Immunochemistry laboratory will be upgrading the following tests from the Immunoassay Vidas platform to the Multiplex flow immunoassay Bioplex 2200 platform.

Cytomegalovirus IgG Antibody

Cytomegalovirus IgM Antibody

Toxoplasma IgG Antibody

Toxoplasma IgM Antibody

Lyme Total Antibody

All tests will continue to have the same collection instructions, processing instructions, rejection criteria, specimen stability, turn-around-time, and qualitative reference ranges of negative. Continue Reading

General Information, Immunochemistry, Main lab, Test Utilization

Protein Electrophoresis Testing Update

In December, serum and urine protein electrophoresis testing will be simplified and standardized.  The only testing available will be:

Protein electrophoresis, serum, IFE if indicated 

Protein electrophoresis, random urine, do IFE if indicated 

Protein electrophoresis, 24 hour urine, do IFE if indicated 

In addition, on December 5, 2019, a new panel will be added which reflects expert recommendations for first line testing for monoclonal gammopathy, including plasma cell myeloma and most cases of amyloidosis, called “Monoclonal Gammopathy Screen

Protein electrophoresis, serum, IFE if indicated 

Kappa and lambda free light chains  Continue Reading

General Information, Immunochemistry

Test Update: Beta-2 Glycoprotein 1 Antibodies

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

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Test Change Summary – September

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.