COMMUNIQUE

Winter 2024 Laboratory Communique

• Laboratory Operations 
  • Anaerobic Glass Vials 
• Compliance 
  • Urine Drug Testing 
  • Vitamin D Testing Denials 
• New Test Updates 
  • AFB Culture/Smear Question Added 
  • AFB Culture to be Discontinued 
• Previously Distributed Test Updates 
  • Symptomatic Tick Panel for Atlas 
  • Fecal Occult Screening Discontinued 
  • Group A Strep Testing Moving to PCR 
  • Lupus Anticoagulant Cascade Updates 
  • Platform Changes for H.pylori Stool Test 
  • Platform Changes for Urinalysis Testing 
  • Update to Conjugated Bili… Urine 
  • New Antibody Testing VASCULITIS &IBD 
  • Fungal Culture, Blood discontinued 

Summer 2023 Laboratory Communique

• Laboratory Operations 
  • Specimen Drop Off 
  • Faxed Laboratory Orders 
• Compliance 
  • Coding Corner 
  • Compliance Heads Up 
• Previously Distributed Test Updates  
  • Anemia Cascade Update 
  • PAP Test and HPV Testing Changes 
  • Peripheral Blood Smear 
  • Anaplasma and Babesia Testing 
  • HIV 1 and 2 Ab Confirm/Diff Change 
  • Umbilical Drug Screen 
  • Thrombosis & Hemostasis Lab Ref 
  • Update to Tick-Borne Illness  

Spring 2023 Laboratory Communique

• Laboratory Operations 
  • Lab Lock Box Temperature Stability 
• New Test Updates 
  • New Cultures for CF Patients 
• Previously Distributed Test Updates 
  • Isolator tubes to be discontinued as culture collection vials  
  • NT-proBNP Assay Update  
  • Pediatric Ref Range Updates Creatinine 
  • Kidney Stone Analysis Update 
  • PUBS Testing at UVMMC 
  • Mayo Testing Obsolete 
  • Vaginal Chlamydia/N.Gonorrhoeae & Vaginitis/Vaginosis Molecular Detection  
  • Infant Urine Toxicology   
  • Expiring Viral Media 
  • Atlas Slide Request 
  • EPIC STAT Results No Longer Phoned 
  • Catecholamine Fractionation Down
  • Unusual Fecal Pathogen Culture Discontinued 
  • Ureaplasma Species, Molecular Detection 

Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Communique

Winter 2023 Laboratory Communique

• Laboratory Operations 
  • Pediatric Pain Mgt Tools
  • Expected Date for Lab Orders
  • Self-collected Vaginal Samples
  • Isolator Tubes Discontinued 
• Compliance
  • Disclosure of Medicare Regs
  • Annual Pap Letter 
• New Test Updates
  • Update to Unusual Fecal Pathogen 
  • Mayo Test Changes
• Previously Distributed Test Updates
• Chemistry 
  • Specimen Stability Change for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
• Flow Cytometry 
  • CD19 CD20 Panel NYS Approval
  • Leukemia/Lymphoma Pnl Approval
• Hematology 
  • Immature Platelet Fraction 
• Mayo Tests
  • Newly Defined Mayo Tests
  • Supersaturation Profile, 24hr Urine
  • Newly Defined Mayo Tests
• Microbiology
  • Testing for Influenza-Like Illness 
  • Calling Positive Flu RSV

Fall 2022 Laboratory Communique

• Laboratory Operations 
  • Blood Bank Preadmission 
• New Test Updates
  • Pap tests / Lubricants
  • Ustekinumab QN with Antibodies
• Previously Distributed Test Updates
  • Barbiturates Confirmation Test 
  • Reticulocyte Battery
  • Prothrombin Time Ref Range Change
  • Stool Parasitology Specimen
  • UVMMC Leukemia/Lymphoma Panel
  • Chance in Submit Temp for PTH

Summer 2022 Laboratory Communique

• Laboratory Operations
  • New Glucola Flavor
  • Long Term Care- Serum Copper Test 
  • Red Top SST Substitute 
• New Test Updates
  • Genomic DNA Test
  • Mayo Tests
• Compliance Updates
  • Insurance Denial– Lack of PA
• Previously Distributed Test Updates 
• Cytogenetics 
  • Chromosome Analysis, Whole Blood 
  • Chromosome Analysis, Bone Marrow
• Microbiology
  • Changes in Susceptibility Reporting
  • Molecular Vaginitis/Vaginosis
• Chemistry
  • Reference Ranges for Lead, Blood 
  • Testosterone and SHBG 
  • Syphilis Serology Reflex Update 
• Immunology
  • Update Celiac Disease Panel
• Mayo Tests
  • Copper, Serum
  • Zinc, Serum 
  • Hereditary Hemochromatosis HFE
  • Serotonin Release Assay
  • Cystic Fibrosis Mutation Panel 
  • Newly Defined Mayo Tests 

Spring 2022 Laboratory Communique

Recent Test Updates 
Laboratory Operations 

• Scheduled Phleb Visit Fanny Allen  
• Butterfly/Straight Needles  
• Ordering Lab Supplies  
• CAP Inspection 

Compliance Updates 

• Medicare Regulations  
• Compliance Heads Up 

Previously Distributed Test Updates  

• Hematology
  • Ref Range DVV
• Microbiology
  • Blood Culture Reporting
  • Molecular Vaginitis/Vaginosis
• Chemistry
  • Tick-Borne Illness Update
  • Testosterone Update
  • Ref Range Update Chem Test
  • eGFR Update
  • Anion Gap Ref Range
  • Testosterone Update
  • Electrophoresis Changes  
  • Champlain Toxicology

Fall 2021 Laboratory Communique

Holiday Hours for Blood Draw Lab Sites
New Test Updates

•     Discontinuation of Cytogenetics on Kidney Tumors
•     H. Pylori Stool Antigen Testing
•     UVMMC COVID Results

Laboratory Operations

•     Temporary Replacement of 2.0mL Blue Top Tubes for 3.5mL
•     Change to Courtesy Draws for Dialysis Patients

Scheduled Phlebotomy Visits at the Medical Office Building
Lab Customer Service Hours
Ordering Lab Supplies
Compliance Updates
Previously Distributed Test Updates

Summer 2020 Laboratory Communique

COVID Testing Guide
Compliance Updates: MVP & Cigna Denials
Annual PAP Notice
COVID Tests: CPT Codes & Diagnostic Codes
Test Updates :
  Discontinuation of Flow Cytometry on BAL Samples
  MRSA PCR and GBS PCR Test Changes
  Testing Schedule Change for HPV Genotype 16 and 18/45, ThinPrep Assay
  Thrombosis Panel Update
  Stability Updates for Chemistry Testing
  Cardiolipin Ab Change
  Ordering and use of COVID-19 Serology Testing
  Lead, Blood—Reporting Change
  Tick-Borne Illness Update
  Lyme Ab Assay Upgrade
  Reporting Change for HIV RNA Quantitation and HCV RNA Quantitation
  Rheumatoid Factor Platform and Reference Range Change
Transgender Reference Interval Policy Update

January 2020 Laboratory Communique

Epic Go Live
Laboratory Services Holiday Hours
Alex Kalof, MD New Division Chief for Anatomic Pathology
Welcome Amelia Sybenga, MD
Welcome Amer Abu Alfa, MD

October 2019 Laboratory Communique

Beaker Go Live
Thanksgiving Hours
Welcome Joanna Conant, MD
Dr Mark Fung Professorship
Compliance Updates: Change to Appeal for Prepayment Probes
ALT Reference Range changeGreen Top Tube Orders
Urine Sediment Changes to Reporting
HLA Testing Update
Pap Testing and HPV Reflex Testing Orders

April 2019 Laboratory Communique

Date and Time Requirement
New Phlebotomy Area
Alex Kalof, MD New Division Chief for Anatomic Pathology
CSF Total Protein Reference Range Change
Lyme AB Confirmation Platform
Reportable Range Changes for Sodium, T3, Urine Calcium, Troponin I
Green Top Tube Orders
Bilirubin, Conjugated and Unconjugated Discontinued at FA Campus [pg.6]
New Customer Service Hours
Compliance Updates
MVP Denials
Urinalysis Fact Sheet
Blood Counts Fact Sheet

January 2019 Laboratory Communique

Christmas and New Year Phlebotomy Hours
Microscopy Imaging Center Holiday Hours
Laboratory Test Ordering
Blood Gas Analyzer Platform Change
HPV Genotyping
Respiratory Virus Testing
Lab Compliance Updates

October 2018 Laboratory Communique

Aspenti Health Presents: Innovations for Outcomes Access 2018
HIV Confirmation Assay
Tick Primer
HCG Name Change
TB by QuantiFERON Test Kit Change
Legionella Culture Inactivated
Virology Testing Changes
HPV Genotyping 
Blood Bank Change for First Time RBC Transfusions
Thanksgiving Holiday Hours
Attachment: Distribution of paper lab results via US mail

July 2018 Laboratory Communique

Holiday Phlebotomy Site Hours
Successful Laboratory Inspections
TB by Quantiferon Test Kit Change
Effects of Biotin Supplements on Laboratory Testing
Lynch Syndrome Screening on Endometrial Cancer Resections
Urine Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing for Enterococcus Species
Lupus Anticoagulant Cascade Change in Days Performed
Hemagram Name Change
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Recommendations for Specific Conditions

April 2018 Laboratory Communique

National Laboratory Professionals Week
Phlebotomy Update MRSA PCR Swabs
Labeling Tubes for Automation
Actin IgG and Mitochondrial IgG Antibody Testing Discontinued at UVMMC
New Test: Antimicrobial Susceptibility Panel, Yeast
GC Screen Discontinued
Reagent Change for Intact PTH
ANCA and ANA Stability Change
New Chemistry Platforms
Aspenti Health for DOA Confirmations
Lyme Disease Serology on CSF
Hemoglobin Electrophoresis New Recommendations
Reflex Testing for Unresectable NSCLC or Carcinoma, Suspected Lung Primary
Miscellaneous Test Process Change
Laboratory Compliance Information
Attachment: Hologic ThinPrep Pap Test: Preparation and Specimen Collection

January 2018 Laboratory Communique

Holiday Phlebotomy Hours
Insurance Prior Authorization for Laboratory Testing 
Legal vs Preferred or Nick Name
Autopsy Service Changes for POC, Fetal Demise, Neonatal Deaths
Blood Parasite Exam Update
Candida albicans Antibody Change
HSV Type 1 and 2 Antibody IgG Change
HIV Test name Change

October 2017 Laboratory Communique

Welcome Dr. Clayton Wilburn
An update on Neutral Buffered Formalin Fixation
Serum Tube Change

Compliance Information
Preventative Services
Coding Tips for Tick Bites and Lyme Disease
Genetic Testing on Medicare Patients

Test Updates Urine Cytology: Introduction to the Paris System
Bordetella Pertussis PCR
Blood Fungal & AFB Culture Specimen Volume
Fungal Smear Name Change
Aptima Vaginal Swab Collection Kit Name Change
Babesia Species, Molecular Detection, PCR Blood: Change in Ability to Order
HIV Viral Load Reporting Range
Testosterone Reference Range Change
Hemoglobin A1c Reference Range Terminology Change
HSV Type 1 & 2 Antibody IgG Change 
Urinalysis Method Change

July 2017 Laboratory Communique

Holiday Phlebotomy Hours
Lab Client Satisfaction Survey
Preparing for a Pap Test
Lab Automation in Motion
Test Changes
Alternative to Colonoscopy
Kleihauer-Betke Test Changes
Microbiology Specimen Stability Changes
Cystine Granulocyte Assay
Thyroid Function Testing Method Change
Celiac Disease Panel
Cortisol Method Change
Gent, Valp, & Vanco Method Change
Change Sample Type for Vanco and Free T4
Compliance Info: Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin 2010A Gene Mutation, Tick Bite Coding Tips
Syringe Disposal

April 2017 Laboratory Communique

EPA Regulations
Spotlight on the Lab: Pathologist Assistants
Compliance Updates
Reflex genomic testing on metastatic colorectal tumors
Drug Testing Urine

Test Updates

CK-MB Discontinuation
Beta-2 Glycoprotein 1 Antibodies, IgG and IgM and Gliadin (Deaminated) Antibodies, IgG and IgA Discontinuation
Chlamydia/N. gonorrhoeae (GC) Test Name and Result Format Change
Change in Instrumentation for Low Volume Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Urine Drugs of Abuse Screens: Change in Assay
ANA's and Beyond: Introduction of Nova View Digital IFA Reader
Testosterone and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin New assay, Testosterone-Free Change in Calculation and Reference Ranges Rubella Antibodies IgG Assay Change
HIV Antibody and Hepatitis Testing Platform Change
Drugs of Abuse Confirmatory Testing Reference Range Change
Annual Disclosure of Medicare Regulations

January 2017 Laboratory Communique

Holiday Hours
Alternate Performing Labs
Compliance Information
Change in Lead Reporting Ranges 
Method Change for Mitochondrial and Smooth Muscle Antibodies and Discontinuation of Testing Parietal Cell Antibodies at UVMMC
Confirmation Testing-Drugs of Abuse
Discontinuation of Paper Copy to Reports for PRISM Users
Urine Microscopic Change to Reflex Criteria
Reducing Substances - Urine and Stool Discontinued
Anti Nuclear Antibody: New Test Code
CA 125 Assay: New Baselines
Total CO2 Reference Range Change 
Calculated Calcium Formula Change 
Tumor Marker Results Cessation of Reporting Historical Data 
Sample Collection for CD57 for Lyme Disease no Longer Available via UVMMC

Attachment: Zika Testing Update
Attachment: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont CPT changes effective 01-01-2017
Attachment: New Urine Total Protein

October 2016 Communique

Zika Testing 
New Medical Director Autopsy
HLA Disease-Related Testing Update
APT Test Inactivation
Extended Platelet Expiration Date
Thrombosis Panels (TP and TP1C) Change
NEW Test for Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules
Spotlight on the Lab: Pathology Residency
NEW ANA Test Codes
Calcium and Albumin Calibration Result Bias
Calculated Calcium Formula Change
Endomysial Ab NOT Recommended
Considerations in the use of QuantiFERON-TB Gold
Tumor Marker Results cessation of reporting of Historical Data
Triglyceride Pediatric Range Change
Lactic Acid Pediatric Critical Value Change
New Test: Group B Strep PCR for Penicillin Allergy
Bacterial Culture Test inactivation
Reminder: Dirty Urine for STD's
Compliance News
Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

July 2016 Communique

Summer Holiday Hours
Universal Irradiation of Platelets
Elimination of CMV Negative Blood Products
Methotrexate Method Change
Hepatitis C Infection Change
H.pylori Stool AG Replaces AB Serology Test 
IBC Positive Bias Noted
Viscosity Testing to go to Mayo
Age Adjusted D-Dimer Cutoff Values
LA Cascade Testing Algorithm
Urine Fungal Culture New Policy
Influenza A Subtyping no Longer Offered
Myositis Panel II Antibody Testing
HLA Crossmatch Tube Change
Special Heparin Tube Discontinued
New Celiac Disease Panel
Blood Culture Vial Change
New Formalin Vials
New Microbiology Collection Kits
Spotlight on the Lab: Lab Outreach
Medicare Preventative Service: Chlamydia/GC
Drug Screening for Medicaid Patients
F5 Leiden & Prothrombin Coagulation Factor 2 
Heavy Metals: New LCD
Urovysion Testing: BC/BS Notice of Non-Coverage
Labeling Blue Top Tubes
LA Cascade Algorithm

April 2016 Communique

Spotlight on the Lab: A Primer on Summer Pests
Fecal Bacterial Pathogen Detection Change
Lupus Anticoagulant Cascade
Cross Reactivity of Fulvestrant in Estradiol Assay
Critical Value for CO2
MG RBC Testing No Longer Available
Flagging Abnormal for
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
Hepatitis C Antibody
HCV RNA Quantitation
HIV 1 RNA Quantitation 
HIV 1/2 Antibody
Lactic Acid Normal Range and Critical Value Change
Lead Demographic Information Required 
Cyclospora Detection Name Change
HIV and Hepatitis C Testing Available for NYS
Opiate Confirmation and Buprenorphine Testing Reference Lab Change 
Stem Cell CD34 Peripheral Blood Sample Type 
Coagulation Testing: Labeling Blue Top Tubes 
Test Schedule Changes 

Compliance Updates 
HIV Screening
HPV Screening
ICD-10 Coding for Chlamydia.GC

National Medical Laboratory Week April 24-30

Attachment: Lupus Anticoagulant Cascade

Laboratory Contact Information

If you have any questions about Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, please contact Laboratory Customer Service, at 847-5121 or 1-800-991-2799 or Fax 802-847-5905. University of Vermont Medical Center, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine-MP-103, Burlington VT 05401.

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Licensure and Accreditations

American Association of Blood Banks
College of American Pathologists-CP
College of American Pathologists-AP
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments Main Campus
Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy
New York State Department of Health, Clinical Laboratory Permit