Technical Bulletins

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2023 Technical Bulletins


December 21, 2023:ViewMedical Device Recall: BIOFIRE FILMARRAY Pneumonia Panel
November 11, 2023:ViewNo Longer Covered: Respiratory Panel & Stool GI Pathogen Panel
October 23, 2023:ViewAutomatic Reflex Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody to RNA Reflex Testing
September 28, 2023:ViewHCV Panels simplify compliance with Public Health recommendations
August 10, 2023:ViewDiscontinuation of DNA/RNA Shield Collection Media and DLS Central Testing for COVID-19 on ThermoFisher High-Throughput Platform
July 19, 2023:ViewUpdate to HSV Serology Testing and STI Panels
June 30, 2023:ViewUpdated Interpretive Comments for QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus
June 1, 2023:ViewTesting for Sexually Transmitted Infections - Update
June 1, 2023:ViewTesting for Sexually Transmitted Infections - Expansion
May 2, 2023:ViewNew Testing for Carbapenemase Genes Improves Inpatient Management
April 14, 2023:ViewNew Fecal Occult Blood Collection Devices
March 9, 2023:ViewSARS-CoV-2 EUA Fact Sheets for Providers

2022 Technical Bulletins


October 27, 2022:ViewTesting Support for 2022-2023 Respiratory Disease Season
October 22, 2022:ViewDOH partners with local laboratories to expand testing for curable hepatitis C
July 8, 2022:ViewHIV Antigen/Antibody Screen Test Provides Analyte-Specific Results
June 2, 2022:ViewQuantiFeron IGRA Demonstrates Uncertainty Around the Cutoff
May 18, 2022:ViewOutsourcing Ova and Parasite Test for Intestinal Parasites
April 7, 2022:ViewMedicare Coverage Restriction for Combination Orders of Tumor Antigen CA 15-3 (TC 207) and CA 27.29 (TC 4659)
March 17, 2022:ViewTaxonomy Changes in the MALDI-TOF/MS Database
February 3, 2022:ViewInterpretation of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) PCR Presumptive Positive

2021 Technical Bulletins


December 29, 2021:ViewRapid Hospital Group A Strep Test Shortages
November 30, 2021:ViewRemove race from eGFR Calculation
November 12, 2021:ViewRAPIDPoint 500e Blood Gas Analyzer
November 1, 2021:ViewProcalcitonin Testing available in North Hawaii
November 1, 2021:ViewProcalcitonin Testing Reference
August 30, 2021:ViewRe-activation of Cryptococcus Antigen Testing
August 24, 2021:ViewPooling protocols increase capacity for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) testing at DLS
May 25, 2021:ViewSuppression of Clostridioides difficile Result in Multiplex GI Panel
May 6, 2021:ViewTemporary Discontinuation of VerifyNow
April 14, 2021:ViewUpdate: Kappa and Lambda Light Chains, Free testing performed in house
April 12, 2021:ViewDiscontinuation of Abbott SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) IgG, Qualitative Nucleocapsid Assay
April 12, 2021:ViewFecal Lactoferrin Replacing WBC-Stool (Fecal Leukocytes) to Indicate Inflammation in the Bowel
April 8, 2021:ViewDiscontinuation of Hemoccult Fecal Occult Blood Test
April 8, 2021:ViewRapid SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) also Includes Roche Liat Combo
April 8, 2021:ViewPerformance Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) NAAT – Update 1
April 8, 2021:ViewRapid SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Combo NAAT Have Limitations
April 2, 2021:ViewUpdated Albumin / Globulin Ratio Reference Range
March 23, 2021:ViewTissue Oncology Testing is available in CARE*Link
March 19, 2021:ViewOncology Testing Supports QMC Precision Medicine Program
March 12, 2021:ViewDiscontinuation of In-house Hepatitis B envelope Ag and Ab Testing
February 23, 2021:ViewSaliva Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) for Non-Medical Purposes
February 18, 2021:ViewSerology Tests for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Now Includes Antibody against Spike Protein

2020 Technical Bulletins


December 29, 2020:ViewDLS Molecular Transport Media for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Validated for Influenza A/B and RSV at DLS Central Facility
November 25, 2020:ViewNew Molecular Transport Media for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) For Testing at DLS Central Facility
November 10, 2020:ViewUpdated Kappa and Lambda Light Chains, Free
November 13, 2020:ViewThe VDRL Test Performed on CSF will Automatically Reflex to Provide a Titer
October 12, 2020:ViewDiscontinuation of Streptozyme Testing
September 30, 2020:ViewAntimicrobic Susceptibility Interpretations
September 14, 2020:ViewChange in Ordering Practice for Outpatient Transfusions
September 9, 2020:ViewTests Unavailable for Add-on Requests
August 26, 2020:ViewExpanded Capacity for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Testing at DLS Central Facility
August 25, 2020:ViewPreliminary bacterial identifications are now reported from positive blood culture by MALDI-TOF/MS
August 21, 2020:ViewPossible False Positive SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) NAAT
August 7, 2020:ViewUniversal Transport Media (UTM) Recall
July 21, 2020:ViewTroponin T Generation 5 STAT Assay
July 16, 2020:ViewPerformance Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) PCR
July 8, 2020:ViewRoche 6800 SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Supply Shortage
June, 19, 2020:ViewPossible False Positive SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) PCR
June 19, 2020:ViewGeneXpert (45-min) SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Test Suspended
June 15, 2020:ViewRapid Multiplex Pneumonia Panel Now Available at Central
May 21, 2020:ViewFDA EUA-approved tests for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) available at DLS includes total antibody
May 13, 2020:ViewFDA EUA-approved serology tests for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) are available at DLS
April 27, 2020:ViewMolecular Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) at DLS Central Facility – Update #1
April 25, 2020:ViewMolecular Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) at DLS-Guam
April 20, 2020:ViewSerology tests for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) should be used with caution, and NOT for diagnosis
April 6, 2020:ViewPerformance Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) PCR
March 29, 2020:ViewLimitations of Rapid Serology Tests for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
March 27, 2020:ViewAdding Hydrocodone to the 810M Urine Drug Screen #2 (Medical) Panel
February 2020:ViewRapid testing for bacterial and viral pathogens from the upper respiratory tract

2019 Technical Bulletins


December 10, 2019:ViewLocal testing for procalcitonin is available in Guam beginning December 17, 2019
September 2019:ViewUpdate on Testing for Helicobacter Pylori Infections
September 2019:ViewRapid PCR replaces Antigen Testing for Influenza in Guam
September 2019:ViewAvailability of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus in Guam and Saipan
August 2019:ViewUpdate for Urinalysis Result Reporting
August 2019:ViewQuantitative CMV testing by qPCR available at DLS Central Laboratory
August 2019:ViewClostridioides (Clostridium) difficile screening now available at Queen’s Punchbowl and Queen’s West Oahu laboratories
August 2019:ViewNew Bood Culture Instruments and Bottles
August 2019:ViewUpdated Fluoroquinolone Susceptibility Interpretation
August 2019:ViewCefazolin Susceptibilities for Uncomplicated UTI Now Available
June 2019:ViewHIV Test Algorithm for Laboratory Diagnosis
June 2019:ViewGenotyping for HIV Drug Resistance now includes Integrase Inhibitors
June 2019:ViewDLS FHP New Chemistry Analyzer beginning June 13, 2019
May 2019:ViewRoutine and Special Circumstance use of Throat Culture
April 2019:ViewNext Generation Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Assay
March 2019:ViewPneumococcus Testing by Rapid Antigen Compliments Laboratory Approach to Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) and Meningitis
March 2019:ViewRapid PCR Testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Available in Guam
March 2019:ViewExpanded availability of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus testing in Hawaii (Revised)
March 2019:ViewTissue Oncology Testing will Transition to a Reference Laboratory
March 2019:ViewDLS Guam New Chemistry Analyzer beginning March 7, 2019
February 2019:ViewReflex test algorithms for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
January 2019:ViewHPV Testing has migrated from a lab developed test to an FDA-approved system
January 2019:ViewUpdate to Protime INR reporting range
January 2019:ViewAerococcus Susceptibility to Antimicrobics

2018 Technical Bulletins


December 2018:ViewCKD-EPI eGFR
November 2018:ViewPediatric Molecular CT/NG Testing
October 2018:ViewMacroprolactin and Monomeric Prolactin
September 2018:ViewAllergen Specific IgE
July 2018:ViewUrinalysis Testing
July 2018:ViewLegionella Testing by Urine Antigen & Legionella Culture
July 2018:ViewImproved tuberculosis assessments with QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus
June 2018:ViewInvalid Rapid Streptococcus Group A Tests Will Reflex to Culture
February 2018:ViewChange in the occult blood test to the Quickvue iFOB (Quidel)
January 2018:ViewMaternal Serum for Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP ONTD ONLY)
January 2018:ViewBiotin and FDA Safety Communication

2017 Technical Bulletins


November 2017:ViewInfluenza Antigen and Strep Group A Antigen Inactivation
September 2017:ViewStool Culture Specimen Collection Using FecalSwab
June 2017:ViewLead Blood Testing 742
June 2017:ViewTroponin T

2016 Technical Bulletins


December 2016:ViewFilmArray Meningitis / Encephalitis Panel - PCR
December 2016:ViewLiat Rapid Strep A Testing
December 2016:ViewNew Progesterone III assay
October 2016:ViewGeenius HIV 1/2 Supplemental Assay
July 2016:ViewBeta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)
May 2016:ViewChange In Bacterial Transport Media to BD ESwab Transport
May 2016:ViewChange In Viral Transport Media to BD Universal Viral Transport
March 2016:ViewAnti-Phospholipids (APS)
February 2016:ViewStool GI Pathogen Panel - PCR
January 2016:ViewDiscontinuation of Clinitest

2015 Technical Bulletins


July 2015:ViewEstradiol III
February 2015:ViewHerpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2 Real-Time PCR

2014 Technical Bulletins


October 2014:ViewResponse to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
April 2014:ViewCeruloplasmin
April 2014:ViewVitamin D25 Hydroxy
February 2014:ViewImmature Granulocyte Reference Range Update
January 2014:ViewFree Triidothyronine (FT3)

2013 Technical Bulletins


December 2013:ViewRPR screen with reflex to titer and the discontinuation of VDRL on serum specimens
October 2013:ViewTroponin I Endpoint Dilution
July 2013:ViewDilute Russell's Viper Vernom Time (DRVVT)
June 2013:ViewUrine Oxycodone Screen
June 2013:ViewPlatelet Count Reference Range Change (effective 6/17/2013)
April 2013:ViewThyroglobulin, Thyroglobulin Antibody and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody

2012 Technical Bulletins


December 2012:ViewBeta-2 Microglobulin and C-Peptide
November 2012:ViewVaginitis Panel by DNA Direct Probe
November 2012:ViewStool culture with Escherichia coli Shiga Toxin 1 & 2 detection
November 2012:ViewClostridium difficile GDH/Toxin EIA testing with Reflex to Nucleic Acid
November 2012:ViewNew Hematology System Implementation
May 2012:ViewTroponin I
May 2012:ViewB-Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)
March 2012:ViewMolecular viral load testing for HCV, HIV-1 and HBV
March 2012:ViewCA19-9

2011 Technical Bulletins


December 2011:ViewAnti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP)
September 2011:Viewnon-HDL Cholesterol
June 2011:ViewPartial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) Ratio Reporting Discontinued
June 2011:ViewTestosterone II
April 2011:ViewCystatin C

2010 Technical Bulletins


December 2010:ViewVitamin D, 25 Hydroxy, Total
December 2010:ViewEstradiol, Progesterone, Homocysteine, AFP Non-Maternal, and Intact PTH tests
September 2010:ViewUpdate on PFA testing
September 2010:ViewFerritin Reference Range Adjustment
August 2010:ViewHemoglobin A1c and Estimated Average Glucose(eAG)
July 2010:ViewHCG Beta Quantitative and Qualitative
May 2010:ViewMonoclonal Protein Expanded Panel – Serum
May 2010:ViewHerpes Simples Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
Apr 2010:ViewPlatelet Function Assay and Discontinuation of Bleeding Time
Mar 2010:ViewLaboratory Automation System Updates

2009 and older Technical Bulletins


Dec 2009:ViewLaboratory Automation System, Phase III (12/31/09)
Dec 2009:ViewLaboratory Automation System, Phase II (12/17/09)
Dec 2009:ViewLaboratory Automation System (12/10/09)
Nov 2009:ViewRapid Molecular Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Screen, Nasal
Nov 2009:ViewHerpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2 Real-Time PCR (Qualitative)
April 2009:ViewSwine Flu
Nov 2005:ViewPrenatal Testing: Quadruple Screen
Mar 2005:ViewHepatitis B Virus DNA by Real-Time TaqMan Quantitative PCR
Feb 2005:ViewEstimated Glomerular Filtration Rate
May 2003:ViewC-reactive Protein (High Sensitivity) - Update
Apr 2002:ViewAntibiotic Susceptibility of Group B Streptococcus Isolated in Hawaii
Oct 2001:ViewCardiac Injury Markers
Dec 2000:ViewFetal Fibronectin
Dec 1999:ViewHemoglobin A1c and Glycated Hemoglobins
Apr 1999:ViewHomocysteine
Dec 1996:ViewAllergen Specific IgE