CompuNet: Clincal Testing Changes

Premier Pulse     December 2024 Dec 20, 2024

SARS COV2 Antigen (COVAGN) Test Discontinued at PSCS

As of Nov. 18, the SARS CoV2 Antigen (COVAGN) test is no longer available at our Patient Service Centers due to low demand. Patients seeking this test are encouraged to purchase an over-the-counter option. This type of testing at hospitals is unaffected and will continue as usual.

Blood Culture Bottle Update: Conservation Strategies Lifted

Blood culture bottle supplies have returned to pre-allocation levels, allowing CompuNet to lift conservation measures. Effective Dec. 2, order sets and preference lists will default to two blood culture sets for all orders.

Additionally, these best practices will remain in place:

  • Blood cultures for non-neutropenic adult patients should follow the initial guidance outlined in the Epic order.
  • Blood cultures should only be collected with a provider’s order.
  • Blood culture bottles are for blood collection only and no other body fluids.
  • For patients with elevated temperatures but no new infectious symptoms, wait one hour and retake the temperature to confirm persistent fever before obtaining blood cultures.

Thank you for your cooperation during the shortage. These measures support continued best practices in patient care.

Give The Gift of Health This Holiday Season!

Until Dec. 31, enjoy 20% off all CompuNet Direct Access Tests. No physician’s order is needed. Visit any CompuNet Patient Service Center to take advantage of this limited-time offer. Appointments are available, but walk-ins are welcome. You can access your results in 1-2 days through CompuNet’s My Labs Now portal. Learn more or schedule an appointment at www.compunetlab.com/gift.

Friendly Reminder: Proper Collection for Urine Culture And Urinalysis

To ensure the most accurate results for your patients, please remember to follow these steps when collecting samples for urine culture and urinalysis:

  1. Collect the urine culture first
    • Use the straw collection device with the gray urine culture tube.
    • Fill to the line on the tube label (required).
  2. Collect the urinalysis sample
    • Use the same straw to fill the yellow or red/yellow uri-tube to its fill line.
  3. Important notes
    • Both tubes must be sent for urine culture plus urinalysis or Reflex Testing.
    • Underfilled tubes cannot be tested, and cup samples are a last resort.

Following these steps will help maintain sample integrity and ensure accurate testing. Thank you for your attention to this important process.

Back to the December 2024 issue of Premier Pulse

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