Clinical Test Bulletins

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.

This document from Alverno Laboratories provides key updates on laboratory testing procedures for healthcare providers. Effective August 26, 2024, Quest Diagnostics will no longer accept serum specimens for amylase isoenzyme testing, now requiring plasma collected in lithium heparin tubes. Alverno also announces a change in rectal HPV molecular testing, replacing the current test (HPVAR) with a more comprehensive one (HPVRE), with an automatic reflex to HPVAR if HPVRE is positive. Additionally, the document clarifies bile acid testing options, offering three distinct tests for various clinical scenarios, including a specific screening for pregnant women at risk of obstetric cholestasis.

The August 2024 Test Bulletin from Alverno Laboratories includes several updates to testing procedures with emphasis that manual differentials and pathology reviews for peripheral blood smears are rarely necessary, as the standard CBC process is sufficient in most cases. A duplicate test code for fecal culture will be discontinued on August 30, 2024. The lab will also enhance the rectal HPV molecular testing to provide a more comprehensive assessment, with the new test code HPVRE replacing HPVAR. Additionally, Quest Diagnostics will offer in-house testing for Bile Acids, Total (Enzymatic), improving turnaround times. Lastly, Quest has discontinued Fetal Fibronectin testing, prompting clinics to refer patients to designated hospitals for this service.

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.

The June 2024 Test Bulletin from Alverno Laboratories includes several important updates. Quest will discontinue Streptococcus pneumoniae Antibody IgG tests for 12, 14, and 23 serotypes, as well as the Myoglobin, Urine test, effective May 28, 2024. Detailed information on the replacements is available on page 2. Additionally, guidelines for collecting STI specimens to minimize PCR reaction inhibitors are outlined on page 3. For Vitamin B1 (thiamine) testing, two distinct tests are offered with specific specimen requirements, both needing protection from light. Details are on page 4. Effective July 1, 2024, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgM antibody testing will be discontinued in accordance with CDC recommendations. Further information is provided on page 5.

The May 2024 Test Bulletin from Alverno Laboratories includes several important updates. The Extended Urine Drug Confirmation Panel has been updated, and detailed information is available on page 2. Alverno Laboratories is also excited to announce the launch of a new and improved website designed for ease of use and navigation, with features like a 'fast topic' menu, a 'super' menu dropdown for healthcare professionals, and an emergency alert section. Additionally, a new test for Prion Disease, 14-3-3 Protein, CSF, is now available in Soft Lab and Atlas LIS systems. At the same time, certain COVID-related tests will be discontinued, replaced by more specific tests for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. There is also an update to the reference range for Methylmalonic Acid testing effective June 24, 2024, and changes to acceptable specimen types for several tests, ensuring greater flexibility and accuracy in diagnostic procedures.

We have introduced new tests such as the Encephalitis Antibody Panel and the Comprehensive Chronic Urticaria Panel, while discontinuing certain offerings like the Fetal Fibronectin test, directing clinicians to local hospital resources instead. Additionally, updates include the transition of molecular testing for STIs to new platforms and the discontinuation of the JAK2 V617F Cascading Reflex test, replaced by a more comprehensive myeloproliferative neoplasms diagnostic panel.

Alverno's March 2024 Test Bulletin highlights crucial updates for healthcare providers. Included are new STI specimen collection guidelines, Quest test offerings, MIC breakpoints updates, and Hemoglobin A1C testing frequency adjustments. These updates aim to enhance testing efficiency and align with recent CMS coverage expansions for better patient care and management.

Alverno's February 2024 Test Bulletin delivers essential updates for healthcare providers. Included are enhancements to the Client Community interface, an automated process for Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody testing, updates to Catecholamines Plasma testing, and discontinuation of certain Quest tests. Additionally, Alverno introduces Polymedco’s FIT, an automated CRC screening tool, aiming to increase screening rates via targeted patient outreach and partnerships with healthcare organizations like Ascension Health Medical Group and BCBS.

Alverno's January 2024 Test Bulletin provides crucial updates for healthcare providers. It announces the suspension of quantitative reporting for Midazolam and Doxepin metabolites, issues with the Platelet Antibody IgG test, discontinuation of certain Quest tests, transition of STI testing to the Abbott Alinity m platform, and updates to Quest specimen stability. These changes aim to ensure testing accuracy, improve specimen collection, and maintain quality standards for patient care.