July 7, 2024

The July 2024 Test Bulletin from Alverno Laboratories includes several significant updates to testing protocols that are crucial for healthcare providers: COVID Antibody Testing Updates: Effective July 15, 2024, Quest Diagnostics will discontinue two COVID antibody tests. Replacement tests with updated codes and specifications have been introduced, ensuring continued support for COVID-19 diagnostics with enhanced accuracy and reliability. Microsporidia Exam Specification Changes: Starting July 22, 2024, Quest will restrict specimen types acceptable for microsporidia exams to stool and duodenal aspirates only, excluding urine, CSF, bronchoalveolar lavage, or corneal scrapings. This change aims to improve diagnostic precision for microsporidia infections. Borrelia Species Testing Modification: Effective July 29, 2024, the specimen requirements for qualitative assessment of Borrelia species by RT-PCR will change. Whole blood collected in ACD (yellow-top) tubes will no longer be accepted, with EDTA (lavender-top) tubes, synovial fluid, or CSF in sterile containers recommended instead. Pre-Analytical Test Information for Creatinine Clearance and 24h Urine Testing: Detailed instructions have been provided to ensure accurate entry of pre-analytical variables for creatinine clearance and 24-hour urine tests. This update emphasizes the need for precision in test ordering to avoid incorrect results. These updates are part of Alverno Laboratories' ongoing efforts to enhance test accuracy, streamline processes, and adapt to evolving medical standards.