2018 Bulletins

Communications

Provincial

• Change in methodology for t(9;22) BCR/ABL1 detection assay (December 17, 2018)
• Submission of Intraosseous Blood Specimens to the Laboratory (December 3, 2018)
• New Reporting Values for serum Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (SACE) (November 13, 2018)
• New GLS South (Calgary) DNA Extraction Process (August 27, 2018)
• Updated CLS Flow Cytometry Test Menu and Requisition (July 16, 2018)
• New Transfusion Medicine Information System: Mediware HCLL (June 18, 2018)
• Implementation of quantitative PCR for Human Herpesviruses 6 A and B (HHV-6 A and HHV-6 B) starting June 7, 2018 (June 4, 2018)
• Expanded Cystic Fibrosis Panel Testing (June 4, 2018)
• New GLS South (Calgary) Biochemical Genetics Requisition (June 4, 2018)
• Ordering testing at the Edmonton Flow Cytometry Lab (May 7, 2018)
• Implementation of Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing at ProvLab for the Detection of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae (March 26, 2018)
• New Online Test Directory for Genetics (March 12, 2018)
• Revised Chromosomal Microarray Requisition (March 12, 2018)

Provlab

• ProvLab Testing for C. difficile (December 17, 2018)
• New Online Test Directory for Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (ProvLab) (July 30, 2018)
• Implementation of quantitative PCR for Human Herpesviruses 6 A and B (HHV-6 A and HHV-6 B) starting June 7, 2018 (June 4, 2018)
• 2017 University of Alberta Hospital Antibiograms (June 4, 2018)
• Change in Reporting of Group A Streptococcal emm Types from emm Type Only to emm Type and Subtype (April 23, 2018)
• Implementation of Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing at ProvLab for the Detection of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae (March 26, 2018)
• Updated ProvLab Bacteriology Requisition (February 9, 2018)
• Updated ProvLab Serology and Molecular Testing Requisition (Cross-Site) (February 1, 2018)
• Repeating HCV Genotype Determination Prior to Initiation of Antiviral Therapy (January 30, 2018)
• Changes to Carbapenem Reporting Cascade for the Enterobacteriaceae (January 11, 2018)

Genetics

• New Requisition for Constitutional Cytogenetics (December 17, 2018)
• Change to Ordering Restrictions for Lynch syndrome testing in patients with ovarian cancer (September 24, 2018)
• New GLS South (Calgary) DNA Extraction Process (August 27, 2018)
• Change in Amniotic Fluid AFP Testing (July 16, 2018)
• Changes in urine microscopic red blood cell reportable categories and reference interval (June 4, 2018)
• New GLS South (Calgary) Biochemical Genetics Requisition (June 4, 2018)
• Expanded Cystic Fibrosis Panel Testing (June 4, 2018)
• Change to Testing Location for Urine Homovanillic and Vanillylmandelic Acids (May 22, 2018)
• New Online Test Directory for Genetics (March 12, 2018)
• Revised Chromosomal Microarray Requisition (March 12, 2018)
• Mitochondrial sequencing and deletion/duplication studies (February 8, 2018)

North

• Change to Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Methodology (December 17, 2018)
• Changes in Urine Microscopic Red Cell Reporting and Reference Interval (December 17, 2018)
• Urinalysis Changes for QEII Laboratory (December 17, 2018)
• Update to Edmonton Zone and North Zone Adult Autopsy Triage (December 17, 2018)
• Safe Report/Result Delivery; Implementation of Auto-faxing via Forward Advantage for Peace Meditech sites (December 10, 2018)
• Implementation of a new ALT method on Vitros analyzers in North Zone (December 3, 2018)
• Standardized reporting of Specific Gravity for Urine hCG (Pregnancy Test) Results (December 3, 2018)
• Change to Protein/Creatinine Ratio Reference Range (September 24, 2018)
• Locum Physician Laboratory Reports (September 24, 2018)
• Red Cell Order Screening for Stable Non-Bleeding Adult Patients (September 7, 2018)
• Ionized Calcium testing in Edson, Hinton, Lac La Biche, Slave Lake, St. Paul, Westlock, Whitecourt (August 27, 2018)
• Urine Drug Screen Testing in Emergent Situation (May 22, 2018)
• New Hematology Analyzer - Sysmex XN550-Fairview (May 7, 2018)
• Changes to the reporting of Normalized Ionized Calcium in patient test panels run at the Point of Care on Radiometer blood gas analyzers (May 7, 2018)
• Suppressed ABG and VBG results in Netcare and other clinical information systems (April 23, 2018)
• Change in Outpatient hours at QEII Laboratory (April 23, 2018)
• Discontinuation of onsite testing for LD, AST and Urate (April 23, 2018)
• Semen Analysis Results from the Alberta Health Services Andrology Laboratory, available in Netcare (March 26, 2018)
• Testing for Shiga Toxin-producing E. coli (O157 and non-O157) (March 12, 2018)
• New Reference Range for Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) (March 12, 2018)
• New Online Test Directory for North Zone (March 1, 2018)
• Ionized Calcium testing in Peace River (February 27, 2018)
• Changes in Transfusion Medicine (February 15, 2018)
• New Hematology Analyzer - Sysmex XS 1000i – Elk Point (February 6, 2018)
• Phoning Only Positive Troponin Results - North Zone (January 31, 2018)
• On site C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Testing at Various Sites (January 25, 2018)
• New Hematology Analyzer - Sysmex XN550 - Smoky Lake (January 23, 2018)
• New Hematology Analyzer - Sysmex XN550 – Slave Lake (January 23, 2018)
• Laboratory Report Format Changes (January 9, 2018)
• Umbilical Cord Blood Gas Testing (January 4, 2018)

Edmonton

• Bone marrow procurement service changes at the Misericordia Hospital (December 17, 2018)
• Update to Edmonton Zone and North Zone Adult Autopsy Triage (December 17, 2018)
• C. difficile testing and results (October 22, 2018)
• Red Cell Order Screening for Stable Non-Bleeding Adult Patients (September 7, 2018)
• BNP availability in the community/outpatient settings (July 30, 2018)
• Changes to the reporting of Normalized Ionized Calcium in patient test panels run at the Point of Care on Radiometer blood gas analyzers (May 7, 2018)
• Lot Switch of Accu-chek strips (April 30, 2018)
• Suppressed ABG and VBG results in Netcare and other clinical information systems (April 23, 2018)
• New Process for B5701 High Resolution HLA Typing for Abacavir (April 9, 2018)
• Semen Analysis Results from the Alberta Health Services Andrology Laboratory, available in Netcare (March 26, 2018)
• Heparin Anti-Xa Level on-site testing delay at the MIS (March 20, 2018)
• Heparin Anti-Xa Level testing availability on-site at the GNH, MIS and SGH (March 12, 2018)
• Testing for Shiga Toxin-producing E. coli (O157 and non-O157) (March 12, 2018)
• BNP In-Hospital Heart Failure forms at the University of Alberta Hospital (February 20, 2018)
• Revised Edmonton Zone Laboratory STAT Requisition (February 1, 2018)
• RAH, NEC – New cutoff and collection requirements for troponin testing (January 4, 2018)
• Standardized Provincial Anatomical Pathology Request Form-Update (January 4, 2018)
• Updated Synoptic Templates Now Available for Use- Edmonton Zone (January 4, 2018)

Central

• Malaria Screen New Antigen Test (December 3, 2018)
• Change of performing sites for LDH orders placed at Vermilion, Viking Health Centres and St-Joseph’s Hospital at Vegreville (December 3, 2018)
• Standardized reporting of Specific Gravity for Urine hCG (Pregnancy Test) Results (December 3, 2018)
• Implementation of a new ALT method on Vitros analyzers in North-East Central Zone (November 19, 2018)
• Changes to Quantitative D-Dimer Testing – Wetaskiwin Laboratory (November 5, 2018)
• Changes to Quantitative D-Dimer Testing – Red Deer Regional Hospital (RDRH) Only (September 18, 2018)
• Expansion of the on-site CRP Testing in West and Southeast Central Zone (July 16, 2018)
• Changes to 72-hour Quantitative Fecal Fat Testing at Calgary Laboratory Services (July 16, 2018)
• Recall of Accu-Chek Inform II Test Strip Lot #476653 (May 11, 2018)
• Central Zone Laboratory Microbiologist Consultation Services (April 9, 2018)
• Semen Analysis Results from the Alberta Health Services Andrology Laboratory, available in Netcare (March 26, 2018)
• Changes to Sweat Chloride Reporting (March 26, 2018)
• Testing for Shiga Toxin-producing E. coli (O157 and non-O157) (March 12, 2018)
• Discontinuation of Red Blood Cell Pooling with Plasma or Saline for Neonates (February 28, 2018)
• Spinal Fluid Collection Protocol for CZ Nursing Units (February 27, 2018)
• Expansion of the on-site CRP testing in North-East Central Zone (February 27, 2018)
• Changes to Northeast Central Zone Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis (January 25, 2018)
• Implementation of AP QA Plan Cytopathology Metrics (January 18, 2018)
• Changes to Northeast Central Zone MCHC Reference Ranges (January 16, 2018)

Calgary

• Redirection of Hard Copy Lab Results During Extended Absences from Practice (December 17, 2018)
• Malaria Testing Algorithm Changes (November 5, 2018)
• Notification of Transfusion (September 19, 2018)
• Changes to Emergency Blood Transfusions for Neonates (September 4, 2018)
• Informed Consent Prior to Blood Transfusion (August 24, 2018)
• Addition of Reference Interval for Protein to Creatinine Ratio (August 17, 2018)
• Repeat testing of C. difficile (August 7, 2018)
• Implementation of Separate Blue Room Temperature Container for Transporting Platelets (July 24, 2018)
• Implementation of Blue Container for Platelet Transport and Storage (July 17, 2018)
• Changes to 72-hour Quantitative Fecal Fat Testing at Calgary Laboratory Services (July 16, 2018)
• Updated CLS Flow Cytometry Test Menu and Requisition (July 16, 2018)
• Red Cell and Plasma Order Screening (July 5, 2018)
• Changes to Reference Intervals & Critical Values for Calcium & Potassium (May 24, 2018)
• Recall of Accu-Chek Inform II Test Strip Lot #476653 (May 11, 2018)
• Prolactin Reference Ranges (Calgary Zone Endocrinologists) (May 2, 2018)
• Implementation of IVIG Dosing Based on Ideal Body Weight (April 5, 2018)
• Changes to Sweat Chloride Reporting (March 26, 2018)
• Closure of Stadium Patient Service Centre (PSC) (March 14, 2018)
• TSH Progressive Testing & Thyroid Function in Pregnancy Reference Intervals (March 8, 2018)
• D-Dimer Cut-Off Value Update (February 1, 2018)
• Change of Test Method for Stool for Ova and Parasite (January 24, 2018)

South

• Implementation of a new ALT method on Vitros analyzers in South Zone (December 17, 2018)
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Testing (December 17, 2018)
• Standardized reporting of Specific Gravity for Urine hCG (Pregnancy Test) Results (December 3, 2018)
• Extension of Hours at South Zone Rural Laboratories (November 19, 2018)
• Change to Protein/Creatinine Ratio Reference Interval (November 19, 2018)
• Removal of Creatine Kinase (CK) from South Zone Meditech Order Sets (November 19, 2018)
• Changes to Reference Intervals and Critical Values for Cord Blood Gases (November 5, 2018)
• Implementation of revised South Zone Microbiology (#20571) and South Zone Laboratory Requisitions (#20572) (October 9, 2018)
• Implementation of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) at Oyen Laboratory (October 9, 2018)
• Change to Service at Bow Island Health Centre Laboratory/DI (October 9, 2018)
• South Zone Implementation of CVD Risk Assessment using the Framingham Risk Score (September 24, 2018)
• Changes to Reference Intervals and Critical Values for Calcium, Potassium and Valproate (August 27, 2018)
• Troponin T testing on h232 cardiac meter– Measuring range and Lower Limit (August 27, 2018)
• SALICYLATE – Reference Interval and Critical Value Standardization (July 30, 2018)
• Taber Emergency Department Abbott iSTAT Analyzer (July 30, 2018)
• Changes to 72-hour Quantitative Fecal Fat Testing at Calgary Laboratory Services (July 16, 2018)
• South Zone Implementation of New Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Testing (June 18, 2018)
• Implementation of Direct Bilirubin Testing at the Rural Laboratories (June 18, 2018)
• Submission of Samples from Labor & Deliver & Emergency to CRH Pathology Lab (June 18, 2018)
• Medicine Hat and Area Autopsy Referral to Calgary Lab Services (June 4, 2018)
• C-Reactive Protein Method Change (June 4, 2018)
• Standardization of Urine Microscopic Red Blood Cell Reportable Categories and Reference Ranges (June 4, 2018)
• TSH Progressive (Reflex) Testing (June 4, 2018)
• Unaccounted Osmolal Gap (June 4, 2018)
• South Zone Implementation of Ideal Body Weight for IVIG Dosing (April 23, 2018)
• C- Reactive Protein Substitution for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (April 9, 2018)
• Holter Monitor Services change from Laboratory to Cardio-Respiratory (March 26, 2018)
• Changes to Sweat Chloride Reporting (March 26, 2018)
• Change to transfusion guidelines for females of childbearing potential (March 26, 2018)
• Transcutaneous Bilirubin Testing (TcB) (February 6, 2018)
• Patient Reports to Family Physicians (January 23, 2018)
• New Hematology Analyzers – Sysmex XN550 – Milk River/Raymond/Taber (January 4, 2018)
• New Hematology Analyzers – Sysmex XN550 – Bassano/Bow Island (January 4, 2018)
• New Hematology Analyzers – Sysmex XN550 – Oyen (January 4, 2018)