March 8, 2021

Alverno Laboratories has updated the naming conventions for COVID antibody detection assays to provide clarity, incorporating the target of the antibody (nucleocapsid or spike) and the test utility (post-vaccination, infection) in addition to the class (IgG or IgM). Additionally, the Molecular Biology Department will introduce viral Hepatitis C Genotyping to the Central Lab, recommended following confirmation of an active infection using the quantitative viral load assay to guide therapy decisions. The Positive Blood Culture Reporting process is being updated to include listing the isolate for all positive blood cultures along with organisms observed in the gram stain, improving abnormal flagging capabilities.