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Test Update

Chemistry, General Information

Collection Device Update: Chemistry β-hCG testing

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
March 17, 2025 by
Immunochemistry, Test Spotlight

Update to Reporting for Urine Protein Electrophoresis Tests

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.

  1. A single interpretive comment (Pathologist Interpretation Urine Protein Electrophoresis) that will encompass both the electrophoresis portion of the test and any immunotyping.
  2. 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.
  3. 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)

March 9, 2025 by
Compliance & Safety

Anti-TPO Assay Falsely Elevated Recovery

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

March 7, 2025 by
General Information

Update in Beta CTX-1 (Cross Laps) Testing

Effective January 8, 2025, a new version of Beta CTX-1 (Cross Laps) will be implemented with the discontinuation of the previous version.

The analytical measuring range and reference ranges will be updated with the new version of the test. It is recommended to not directly compare the results between the new and old version of the test. If assistance is needed to aid in trending results between the new and old version of the test, please use the contact us link above or contact the Corewell Health Reference Laboratory West, Immunochemistry Department.

TEST INFORMATION

Discontinue: Beta CTX-1 (Cross Laps) LAB3656, Interface Code 55122
NEW: Beta CTX-1 (Cross Laps) LAB1231780, Interface Code 1231780
December 26, 2024 by
Compliance & Safety, Hemostasis/Coagulation

Update: Platelet Aggregation Studies Scheduling

Effective immediately, platelet aggregation testing will require a pathology consult prior to scheduling for testing performed at Corewell Health Reference Laboratory West, Grand Rapids. This consult request must be completed prior to scheduling the patient for testing.

After consultation the testing may be ordered and scheduled.

As a reminder testing is performed for scheduled patients Monday – Thursday from 7:30 am-9:30 am at the 35 Michigan Street Laboratory. Patients should be resting, fasting, non-smoking, and should not be pregnant. Patients should avoid taking any prescription or over the counter medications known to affect platelet function for ten (10) days to two (2) weeks prior to the test. Click for a list of medications with known anti-platelet effects.

Test Information:

 

December 19, 2024 by
General Information, Immunochemistry

Update to Breath Tests

Effective December 4, 2024, breath methane will be added to Bacterial Overgrowth, Breath Test (LAB3295) and Lactose Intolerance, Breath Test (LAB3097). As a result, the test will include both breath hydrogen and methane. Methane is being added as a small percentage of patients who have either bacterial overgrowth or lactose intolerance will not produce hydrogen when challenged during the test. These patients are considered methane-producers.
In addition, the collection time point of 150 minutes is being eliminated to align with system-wide standards.
Questions may be directed to the Immunochemistry Laboratory using the Contact Us link above.
November 19, 2024 by