On April 22 we had a pipe elbow failure in our Emergency Department (ED) causing a significant water leak. Crews are assessing the impact and we are in the process of water abatement. Our ED is open, but several rooms are currently offline which could increase wait times. Some surgeries are also being rescheduled.
Changes in Hospital-Based Flu A/B, RSV Antigen Testing
SUBJECT: Changes in Flu A/B, RSV antigen testing – Transition to Cepheid SARS-COV-2-Only and SARS-COV-2, Flu A, Flu B, and RSV PCR (4-Plex) for hospital-based testing
DESCRIPTION: The VMC Laboratory will be discontinuing the following tests: Flu A/B antigen, RSV antigen, and SARS-COV-2 PCR performed on the Aries platform. Testing for these respiratory pathogens is transitioning to the Cepheid platform and will include a standalone SARS-COV-2 PCR and a 4-plex PCR that will detect SARS-COV-2, Flu A/B, and RSV.
WHY: Cepheid utilizes a molecular methodology that provides greater sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional antigen-based methods, without limitations related to the patient’s age or co-infections. Viral respiratory syndromes are difficult to distinguish clinically. So instead of testing for respiratory viruses individually, the 4-plex test offers a more comprehensive and efficient test solution covering the most common respiratory viruses.
WHEN: Effective 2/11/2025, Cepheid SARS-COV-2-only and 4-Plex testing will be available options for respiratory pathogen detection.
Review this document for testing options, specimen requirements, results reporting and other important details.