March 2024
Microbiology – Specimen Collection Device Change
Thursday, 14 March 2024
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is pleased to formally announce two (2) new collection devices for Blood Culture specimens. This advanced blood culture media offers both rapid results and superior accuracy. Further details, regarding the collection vials and guidance for use, are provided below. Supplies are immediately available through our Supply Department.
December 2023
Manual WBC Differentials
Wednesday, 06 December 2023
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is committed to providing effective, appropriate, and timely patient care by ensuring that our testing reflects medical standards and current guidance. In an audit of our hematology processes, we identified a quality improvement opportunity concerning ordering, resource utilization, and timeliness for Unit Code 6100, MANUAL DIFFERENTIAL.
October 2023
Specimen Collection Instructions: Cytology and Histology (Tissue) Specimens
Thursday, 26 October 2023
This Client Communication provides guidance as to the proper submission of Cytology and Histology (tissue) specimens in the best interest of patient care. Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) values your referrals and desires to work closely with providers and their medical staff to assure that quality reporting is achieved by following these recommended guidelines for specimen submission.
August 2023
Test Updates Effective August 21, 2023
Tuesday, 15 August 2023
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is in the process of making updates to approximately eight (8) tests, which will be completed by Monday, August 21, 2023. These tests are performed by our reference laboratory partners; namely, Associated Regional University Pathologists (ARUP) of Salt Lake City, UT, National Medical Services (NMS) Labs of Horsham, PA, and Warde Medical Laboratory (Warde) of Ann Arbor, MI. Test updates relate to database changes made by these partners for the specified analytes.
July 2023
Test Updates Effective July 17, 2023
Wednesday, 12 July 2023
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is in the process of making updates to approximately twenty (20) tests, which will be completed by Monday, July 17, 2023. These tests are performed by our reference laboratory partners; namely, Sonic Reference Laboratory (SRL) of Austin, TX, and American Esoteric Laboratories (AEL) of Memphis, TN. Both SRL and AEL are affiliates of Sonic Healthcare USA, Inc., as is PathLabs.
Full disclosure of the test updates is shown in the chart provided herein.
June 2023
STD URINE Testing Updates
Thursday, 01 June 2023
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is pleased to announce that we are bringing the STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) of urine specimens in-house effective December 27, 2022.
As a result of internalizing this testing, there are updates to our Urine STD tests; specifically for methodology, decreased analytic time, new collection devices, longer stability, and certain EMR code changes. In addition, Urine STD testing is no longer gender specific. However, an order code has been established for a male test for Trichomonas, using a swab collection device.
All testing updates are disclosed in the context of this publication and the chart provided below.
Cytology and Molecular Testing Updates
Thursday, 01 June 2023
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is pleased to announce we will bring HPV, Pap, and STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) Swab testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) in-house, effective Thursday, March 2, 2023.
As a result of internalizing this testing, PathLabs is in the process of updating our HPV, Pap, and STD Swab tests; specifically, to accommodate an expanded test menu, introduce a new methodology for molecular testing, convey decreased analytic times, present a new collection device for the Roche platform, and initiate EMR code changes.
As of June 12th, we are converting to a new Cytology/Histology Requisition (version 05/2023), shown at the end of this publication, to be used for ordering Cytology, Histology and Molecular testing. PathLabs’ sales team and supply department will be distributing the new requisition beginning next week.
All testing updates are disclosed in the context of this publication and provided in further detail in the charts below. All changes are marked in bright blue.
May 2023
Test Updates Effective April - May 2023
Tuesday, 02 May 2023
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs), in conjunction with our reference laboratory partners, is in the process of making updates to its test menu for various changes as fully described within the contents of this technical bulletin. Although some updates were effective in late April 2023, the majority are set for implementation on Monday, May 15, 2023, as disclosed in the chart provided herein.
April 2023
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is in the process of making updates to our Test Directory based on changes being made by our reference laboratory partner, Clinical Pathology Laboratories (CPL), a Sonic Healthcare USA, Inc. affiliate of Austin, Texas.
Effective May 8, 2023, PathLabs is pleased to announce that CPL will change its analytic platform and method for Thyroglobulin Antibody (Anti-Tg) and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (Anti-TPO). The new methodology is electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA).
February 2023
Non-Gynecologic Cytology Fluid Specimen Submission
Friday, 24 February 2023
As part of Pathology Laboratories, Inc.’s (PathLabs) continuous dedication to providing quality results and assure optimal cytology specimens, all Routine Non-Gynecologic fluids (e.g., urine for cytology and sputum) must be submitted in ThinPrep® CytoLyt® Solution. The ThinPrep® CytoLyt® Solution is a water-based, buffered cell wash solution designed to lyse red blood cells, prevent protein precipitation, dissolve mucus and preserve the morphology of the cellular material. When all Routine Non-Gynecologic fluids (e.g., urine for cytology and sputum) are placed in ThinPrep® CytoLyt® Solution, the specimen cellular material is properly preserved.
January 2023
Medical Director Announcement - Anastasia M. Canacci, M.D.
Monday, 16 January 2023
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs), a Sonic Healthcare Clinical Laboratory and division of Sonic Healthcare USA, Inc., is privileged to welcome Anastasia M. Canacci, M.D., as Medical Director. Dr. Canacci joins PathLabs with an extensive career in laboratory medicine.
STD SWAB Testing Updates
Wednesday, 11 January 2023
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is in the process of making updates to the Reporting Titles and Result Code Descriptions of the STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) Swab Testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). The updates are based on changes being made by our reference laboratory partner, Clinical Pathology Laboratories (CPL), a Sonic Healthcare USA, Inc. affiliate in Austin, Texas. These updates will be effective at PathLabs beginning Monday, January 23, 2023, as disclosed in the chart provided herein.
December 2022
CPT Code and Test Name Updates
Thursday, 22 December 2022
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is in the process of making updates to certain CPT Codes for 2023, and various Order Code Reporting Titles and Result Codes Descriptions to better correlate with specific CPT Code Descriptions, as published by the American Medical Association. These changes will be effective Tuesday, January 3, 2023, as disclosed in the chart provided herein.
TORCH Testing Updates
Tuesday, 06 December 2022
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is in the process of making updates to TORCH tests based on changes being made by our reference laboratory partner, Clinical Pathology Laboratories (CPL), our Sonic Healthcare USA, Inc. affiliate of Austin, Texas.
October 2022
PAP Test Update
Tuesday, 25 October 2022
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is in the process of making updates to Pap test Order Codes based on changes being made by our reference laboratory partner, Clinical Pathology Laboratories (CPL), a Sonic Healthcare USA, Inc. affiliate of Austin, Texas.
Specifically, CPL’s changes reflect adoption of a consistent methodology for Pap tests that will provide computer-guided screening for all liquid-based Pap tests.
Further details are provided below and within the context of this publication.
STD Testing Updates
Friday, 14 October 2022
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is in the process of making updates to STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) related to SurePath™, ThinPrep®, and urine specimens based on changes being made by our reference laboratory partner, Clinical Pathology Laboratories (CPL), a Sonic Healthcare USA, Inc. affiliate of Austin, Texas.
September 2022
Electrophoresis and Immunotype Testing
Friday, 16 September 2022
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is announcing an update to six (6) Order Codes based on changes being made by our reference laboratory partner, Clinical Pathology Laboratories, a Sonic Healthcare USA, Inc. affiliate of Austin, Texas.
Specifically, the changes reflect adoption of a consistent methodology for these particular tests, which is Capillary Electrophoresis, effective Monday, September 19, 2022. Further details are provided below and within the context of this publication.
August 2022
Monkeypox Virus PCR Test
Wednesday, 24 August 2022
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is announcing a new test offering for Monkeypox Virus PCR, that will be performed at our sister laboratory, Sonic Reference Laboratory (SRL), effective August 24, 2022. This test can be performed on clinical specimens collected during the acute/symptomatic phase of illness from patients suspected of Monkeypox. Further details are disclosed in this document.
Random Urine Microalbumin Testing Updates
Monday, 22 August 2022
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is in the process of making updates to Random Urine Microalbumin testing, which will be effective Monday, August 22, 2022, as disclosed in the chart provided herein.
Fluid Testing and 24 Hour Urine Testing
Friday, 05 August 2022
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is in the process of making updates to Fluid Testing and 24 Hour Urine Testing, which will be effective Monday, August 8, 2022, as disclosed in the chart provided herein.
Covid Antibody Test Update
Friday, 05 August 2022
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is in the process of making updates to the Covid Antibody Testing that we offer. Beginning Monday, August 8th, an additional Antibody test will be offered, SARS CORONAVIRUS 2 IGG ANTIBODY. For your convenience, all Covid Antibody Tests offered are disclosed in the chart provided herein. This publication supersedes our Covid Antibody Test Update effective June 27, 2022.
July 2022
Test Updates Effective August 1, 2022
Tuesday, 26 July 2022
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is in the process of making updates to its database affecting the reference range for the Anion Gap and the offering of the Troponin test. The changes will be effective Monday, August 1, 2022, as more fully described in the chart provided herein.
Test Updates Effective July 25, 2022
Thursday, 14 July 2022
Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) is in the process of making updates to approximately 75 tests, which will be completed by Monday, July 25, 2022, as disclosed in the chart provided herein.
June 2022
COVID-19 Antibody Test Updates
Monday, 27 June 2022
Covid Antibody Test Updates
Effective June 27, 2022
In response to recommendations from the National Kidney Foundation and American Society of Nephrology (NKF-ASN) Task Force on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), effective 06/06/2022, Pathology Laboratories will adopt the single CKD-EPI Refit equation to replace the separately reported eGFR ---- Black and eGFR non-Black calculations for all serum creatinine measures.
Important Contact Information Changes
Monday, 06 June 2022
Effective June 1, 2022, Pathology Laboratories (PathLabs) will have new contact information as disclosed in the chart provided herein.
May 2022
Test Updates Effective May 31, 2022
Thursday, 26 May 2022
Test Updates Effective May 31, 2022
Test Updates Effective May 23, 2022
Friday, 20 May 2022
Test Updates Effective May 23, 2022
Test Updates Effective May 9, 2022
Monday, 09 May 2022
Test Updates Effective May 9, 2022
March 2022
Test Updates Effective April 4, 2022
Thursday, 31 March 2022
Test Updates Effective April 4, 2022
Test Updates Effective March 28, 2022
Wednesday, 23 March 2022
Test Updates Effective March 28, 2022
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program
Tuesday, 22 March 2022
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program
Test Updates Effective March 21, 2022
Thursday, 17 March 2022
Test Updates Effective March 21, 2022
Test Updates Effective March 14, 2022
Friday, 11 March 2022
Test Updates Effective March 14, 2022
February 2022
Ammonia Test Update/New Specimen Requirements
Monday, 21 February 2022
Ammonia Test Update/New Specimen Requirements
January 2022
Covid RT-PCR Test Update
Wednesday, 12 January 2022
Covid Rt-PCR Test Update/New Covid Requisition and Patient History Form
December 2021
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant of Concern
Sonic Healthcare USA
Thursday, 23 December 2021
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant of Concern
November 2021
Testosterone Update
Wednesday, 17 November 2021
Testosterone Update
October 2021
Gastrointestinal Pathogens Panel Update
Wednesday, 27 October 2021
Gastrointestinal Pathogens Panel Update
September 2021
Iron Binding Capacity and Transferrin Specimen Requirement Change
Wednesday, 01 September 2021
Effective September 1, 2021, the specimen requirement has changed for Iron Binding Capacity and Transferrin.
August 2021
Anti-Nuclear Antibodies Testing Update
Friday, 27 August 2021
Effective August 30, 2021, Anti-Nuclear Antibodies testing will be performed at Clinical Pathology Laboratories (CPL). Please refer to the attached pdf for database updates and changes.
July 2021
Gastrointestinal Pathogens PCR Testing Update
Thursday, 29 July 2021
Gastrointestinal Pathogens PCR testing update
April 2021
SARS CoV-2 Spike (S) Antibody
Monday, 12 April 2021
Immunoassay for the semi-quantitative determination for
antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein
SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) Protein Testing
Wednesday, 07 April 2021
Effective Monday, April 12, 2021, ProMedica Pathology Laboratories (PPL) will offer an additional serological test for SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies, specific to the spike (S) protein.
March 2021
Bioavailable Testosterone Testing Update
Thursday, 11 March 2021
Bioavailable Testosterone testing update
December 2020
Urine Trichomonas Testing Update
Friday, 18 December 2020
Urine trichomonas testing update
Sonic Healthcare USA COVID-19 Testing Program
Tuesday, 15 December 2020
View the Sonic Healthcare USA COVID-19 Testing Program
November 2020
COVID-19: SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) & Influenza A/B assay
Wednesday, 04 November 2020
Effective Monday, November 9, 2020, ProMedica Pathology Laboratories (PPL) will offer the Roche cobas® SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza A/B multiplex assay.
August 2020
COVID-19 Client Communication SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) by RT-PCR
Thursday, 06 August 2020
ProMedica Pathology Laboratories has updated information for SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19 testing.
Glucose critical result update
Tuesday, 04 August 2020
Effective August 10, 2020, there is a change to the low blood glucose critical value.
July 2020
COVID-19 demographic and AOE question requirements
Monday, 27 July 2020
On June 4, 2020, the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published new requirements for patient data collection and reporting for COVID-19 test results.
CBC reference range changes
Thursday, 23 July 2020
Effective July 27, 2020, there are changes to the reference ranges for certain CBC parameters.
COVID-19 serologic testing for IgG (ABBOTT)
Friday, 10 July 2020
Serologic testing will report ONLY the IgG antibodies to SARS-COV-2/COVID-19.
Sonic Healthcare USA SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Media Statement
Thursday, 02 July 2020
Sonic Healthcare USA issues a media statement on testing capacity for COVID-19.
June 2020
ACLA update on COVID-19 testing capacity
Saturday, 27 June 2020
Please click on the link for The American Clinical Laboratory Association's update on COVID-19 testing capacity.
May 2020
COVID-19 serologic testing for SARS-Cov-2 antibodies (ROCHE)
Friday, 15 May 2020
Please follow the link for specific test information.
NMR LipoProfile
Thursday, 14 May 2020
ProMedica Pathology Laboratories (ProMedica PathLabs) will be making updates and modifications to our database, as more fully described in the disclosure attached.
COVID-19 serologic testing for IgG (ABBOTT) [Retired July 13, 2020]
Tuesday, 12 May 2020
Please follow the link for an important update about the ABBOTT serologic testing for SARS-Cov-2/COVID19.
April 2020
COVID-19 serologic testing for IgG (EUROIMMUN)
Wednesday, 29 April 2020
Please follow the link for an important update about the EUROIIMUN serologic testing for SARS-Cov-2/COVID19.
COVID-19 information [RT-PCR testing SUPERCEDED 08/06/20]
Tuesday, 28 April 2020
COVID-19 Client Communication: SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) by RT-PCR.
COVID-19 serologic testing for IgG/IgA
Friday, 24 April 2020
Please follow the link for important information about the availability of testing for SARS-Cov-2/COVID19 serologic testing for IgG and IgA.
COVID-19 update for Health Plans: Pricing/CPT codes for ALL COVID-19 testing
Tuesday, 21 April 2020
Please follow the link for an update on COVID-19 prices and CPT codes for RT-PCR and serologic testing.
COVID-19 update for Health Plans: New pricing and CPT code information
Tuesday, 14 April 2020
Please follow the link for an update on COVID-19 prices and CPT codes.
COVID-19 information [RT-PCR testing SUPERCEDED 04/28/20]
Monday, 13 April 2020
COVID-19 Patient FAQs
Monday, 13 April 2020
Sonic Healthcare USA is closely monitoring the situation regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are dedicated to promoting a healthy and safe environment for our patients and employees.
COVID-19 Provider FAQs
Monday, 13 April 2020
Sonic Healthcare USA is closely monitoring the situation regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are dedicated to promoting a healthy and safe environment for our patients and employees.
March 2020
COVID-19 update for Health Plans [SUPERCEDED 04/13/20]
Tuesday, 17 March 2020
Sonic Healthcare USA has issued the following update containing important information about test availability, capacity, turn-around time, and pricing.
COVID-19 information [RT-PCR testing SUPERCEDED 04/13/20]
Wednesday, 11 March 2020
ProMedica Pathology Laboratories is pleased to announce that testing for SARS-Cov-2/COVID19 is available effective immediately.
November 2019
Atlas: Insurance Update instructions
Wednesday, 13 November 2019
Simplification of insurance selections in Atlas effective November 20, 2019.
October 2019
Helicobacter pylori serology testing
Monday, 28 October 2019
H. pylori IgA, H. pylori IgG and H. pylori IgM tests will be discontinued effective November 4, 2019.
September 2019
New billing system
Friday, 06 September 2019
Effective July 1, 2019, a new billing system has been added.
August 2019
General Microbiology EMR update
Friday, 23 August 2019
Updates to EMR files are required for the General Microbiology migration occurring on August 26, 2019.
General Microbiology testing migration
Thursday, 22 August 2019
Microbiology testing migrates to ProMedica Laboratories (ProMedica PathLabs) effective August 26, 2019.
Blood culture vials
Monday, 19 August 2019
Effective August 26, 2019, new collection devices will be used for Blood Cultures.
Microbiology collection devices
Wednesday, 07 August 2019
New collection devices are available for collection of specimens for culture.
June 2019
Molecular testing migration
Friday, 21 June 2019
Effective July 1, 2019 Molecular Testing is transitioning to ProMedica Laboratories (ProMedica PathLabs).
Urine transport devices
Wednesday, 12 June 2019
Effective Monday, June 24, 2019, Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (PathLabs) will be transitioning Urine and Urine Culture testing to ProMedica Laboratories (ProMedica PathLabs).
Urinalysis and Urine Culture migration
Wednesday, 12 June 2019
Effective June 24, 2019 Urinalysis and Urine Culture testing will transition to ProMedica Laboratories (ProMedica PathLabs).
May 2019
Protein/Creatinine Ratio, 24 Hr Urine
Thursday, 16 May 2019
The ordering code for Protein/Creatinine Ratio, 24 Hr Urine has changed to 58100.
April 2019
Herpes testing
Monday, 29 April 2019
Effective May 13, 2019 there are several changes to order/result codes for Herpes testing.
Urine Chemistry additional updates
Friday, 19 April 2019
Additional changes not included in the previous Urine Chemistry communications are included in this document.
Urine Chemistry update
Monday, 15 April 2019
This document provides updates to the information provided in the April 4, 2019 communication.
Urine Chemistry testing
Thursday, 04 April 2019
Urine Chemistry testing is migrating to ProMedica Laboratories (ProMedica PathLabs).
March 2019
Clinical Chemistry updates
Thursday, 28 March 2019
Effective April 1, 2019 Clinical Chemistry testing is migrating to ProMedica Laboratories (ProMedica PathLabs).
Retired order codes
Thursday, 14 March 2019
Order codes for several tests have been retired.
February 2019
Ova and parasite migration
Friday, 08 February 2019
Effective February 25, 2019 Ova and Parasite testing is to be ordered with code 39216.
January 2019
Post-vasectomy seminal fluid analysis
Wednesday, 02 January 2019
Effective January 14, 2019 Post-vasectomy Semen Analysis is being discontinued.
December 2018
HS-Troponin T
Thursday, 20 December 2018
High Sensitivity Troponin T is now available.
August 2018
ProMedica and Pathology Laboratories
Thursday, 23 August 2018
ProMedica and Pathology Laboratories are joining forces to deliver better medicine.