September 17, 2024

This document from Alverno Laboratories outlines several key updates for healthcare providers in Q3 2024. Changes include the discontinuation of two COVID antibody tests by Quest Diagnostics effective July 15, 2024, with new replacement tests provided. Specimen requirements for certain tests have been updated, such as the Microsporidia exam and Borrelia species by RT-PCR, which now have specific acceptable specimens. Alverno has introduced standardized procedures for creatinine clearance and 24-hour urine testing, while clarifying that manual differentials and pathology reviews are rarely necessary. For HPV rectal testing, the orderable test HPVRE replaces HPVAR, though HPVAR will auto-reflex if HPVRE is positive. Additional updates include in-house testing for bile acids to screen for obstetric cholestasis, discontinuation of duplicate test codes for fecal cultures, and changes to testing for Herpes Simplex Virus by PCR and Fetal Fibronectin. Further details on each update, including specimen requirements and methodology, are provided within the document.