February 2019 Test Bulletin

February 18, 2019

The January C. difficile test algorithm bulletin corrected the CPT codes for the rapid EIA assay to 87324 and 87449. Additionally, due to a manufacturing backorder, the go-live date for the NT proBNP assay at the Central Laboratory has been postponed to February 26, 2019. Furthermore, the utilization guidelines for the Solid Tumor Panel Next Generation Sequencing were outlined, indicating its clinical use in detecting targeted somatic mutations for prognosis and treatment of solid tumors, with specimen requirements including formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. Finally, a specimen update for HIV-1 RNA Quantitative Viral Load testing emphasized the discontinuation of accepting Pearl Top Tubes and the necessity of collecting EDTA Plasma for accurate results.