Technical Bulletins

Urine Microscopic Reporting Changes: (UAR, UARM, UARWC)

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Effective Date: December 31, 2025

The urine microscopic "CAST" reporting structure will be slightly modified due to new urinalysis equipment at multiple UR Lab sites. There is no change to ordering process, collection, handling, or stability.

• "Urine Casts" will be eliminated and replaced with specific cast types not included before.
• All casts except for hyaline casts will be specified and present/absent rather than reported in a semi-quantitative fashion
• A complete list of changes is below. Parameters not mentioned will remain the same.

If you have any questions please contact Geoffrey Harris, Lab Manager for Hematology & Chemistry Laboratories at Strong Memorial Hospital, at 275-8294 or Geoffrey_Harris@urmc.rochester.edu, or Dr. Hosking at any of the below methods listed.

From: Paul R. Hosking, M,D,
Vice Chair of Clinical Operations
Professor of Clinical Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
University of Rochester Medical Center
Phone: (585) 276-5274
Email: Paul_Hosking@urmc.rochester.edu

Update to OPAST/GNFS Ordering Procedures in Dx

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Effective Date: December 15, 2025

The Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory is implementing a change to the ordering process for OPAST (Oncogenic Precision Assay Solid Tumor NGS) and GNFS (Lung Cancer Gene Fusion Panel) in Dx. This update aims to optimize testing pathways while ensuring appropriate patient care.

Going forward, when OPAST/GNFS is ordered in Dx using the combined dropdown option, the testing will follow a streamlined reflex pathway:

• OPAST ngs panel is performed
• GNFS reflex logic
  • The fusion assay (GNFS) will be performed only if no pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants are detected by OPAST. This pathway does not require additional action from the requestor.
  • If a Tier I or II variant is detected, the lab will cancel the GNFS assay. A cancellation report stating that "GNFS test was not indicated based upon the OPAST result" will be issued.

We understand that clinical situations can vary. If there is a medical necessity to proceed with GNFS regardless of the OPAST result, you may still order both OPAST and GNFS as separate line items. In such cases, the GNFS will be performed even if OPAST yields a positive result. We believe this updated process will enhance efficiency in our diagnostic workflow.

For any questions, please contact:

Allison Cox, Ph.D.
Interim Director of the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, UR Medicine Labs
Phone: (585) 758-0456
Email: Allison_Cox@URMC.Rochester.edu

Paige Elliott
Supervisor, Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory
Phone: (585) 275-2709
Email: Paige_Elliott@urmc.rochester.edu

PTH/Calcium Order Set

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Effective Date: January 7, 2026

Beginning January 7th, 2026, any new parathormone (PTH) order placed in EPIC will be displayed as an order set that includes calcium. The calcium can be removed from the order set, but is generally not advisable. The PTH-CA combined order is the standard of care for proper diagnosis.

This order set does not involve intraoperative PTH, which will remain a standalone test.

For any questions, please contact:

Victoria Zhang, Ph.D., M.B.A.
Professor and Director of Clinical Chemistry
Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of Rochester Medical Center
Phone: (585) 276-4192
Email: Victoria_Zhang@urmc.rochester.edu

New PCR Test for Detection of Measles Virus

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Outbreaks of Measles continue to be documented around the U.S, including New York State. As an aid to diagnosing acute measles infection, UR Medicine Labs has developed an in-house PCR test for detection of measles virus. The preferred specimen for this assay is a Nasopharyngeal (NP) specimen collected with a flocked swab as soon as possible after rash onset and submitted in viral transport media (VTM). Although less sensitive, 10-50 ml voided urine collected as soon as possible after rash onset may be submitted in a sterile cup for testing. Ideally, specimens should be collected within 3 days of rash onset, however, specimens can be obtained up to 7 days, but not more than 10 days, after rash onset. This in-house assay is currently performed on day shift Monday through Friday.

For further information refer to Rochester Test Directory | Home

Note: Throat or oropharyngeal specimens will be sent to a reference lab with a longer turn-around time.

For any questions, please contact:

Dwight J. Hardy, Ph.D.
Director, Clinical Microbiology
UR Medicine Labs
Professor of Microbiology and Immunology,
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of Rochester Medical Center
Phone: (585) 275-1408
Dwight_Hardy@urmc.rochester.edu

Chemical Dependency Screen Update

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Effective Date: December 3, 2025

The Chemical Dependency Screens with the Test Codes UCDSF, UDAS and UDASC, performed at URMC affiliated labs (FF Thompson, Jones Memorial, St. James, Noyes, and Highland, Hospitals) will be updated to list the appropriate Methadone (parent compound). This test name is currently listed as Methadone metabolites.

For questions or concerns please contact:

Xiaolan Ou, M.D., Ph.D. Attending Pathologist Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Medical Director of FF Thompson Hospital, Noyes Memorial Hospital, St. James Hospital, and UR Central Lab at Bailey Road
Phone: (585) 273-8308
Email: Xiaolan_Ou@urmc.rochester.edu

Vektra Lu Casler, M.D. (JMH)
Director of Clinical Laboratory Services for Jones Memorial Hospital
Clinical Pathologist and Informatician, Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of Rochester Medical Center
Phone: (585) 758-0420
Email: Vektra_Casler@URMC.Rochester.edu

Julietta Fiscella, M.D., C.P.E., FCAP
Chief, Department of Pathology, Cytopathology & Laboratory Medicine
Clinical Associate Professor, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
UR Medicine Labs/Highland Hospital
Phone: (585) 341-8075
Email: Julietta_Fiscella@URMC.Rochester.edu

News You Can Use

Saturday, November 1, 2025

UR Medicine Labs Patient Service Center Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

Thursday, November 27: All patient service centers will be CLOSED with STAT services available in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

We will provide STAT On-Call phlebotomy services from 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. These services are for EMERGENT use only.

Ordering physicians need to call UR Medicine Labs Client Services: (585) 758-0510 to arrange STAT services.

Patients will be scheduled for appointments within 1 hour of calls, and services will be provided at the patient service center at 2400 S. Clinton Ave, Bldg. H, Suite 140.

Friday, November 28: UR Medicine Labs Patient Service Centers will have limited hours. The schedule may also be viewed at: UR Medicine Labs Patient Service Centers- Day after Thanksgiving Open Locations 2025

Patient Service Center Changes

• Effective December 1, 2025 the Patient Service Center located at 125 Red Creek Dr. in Henrietta will no longer be open to the public.
• Effective December 1, 2025 the Patient Service Center located at 400 Red Creek Dr. Suite 100 in Henrietta will now have extended hours and will be open 7 a.m.−5 p.m., and will not close for lunch.

New Microbiology Swab Guide Link

Updated Microbiology Swab Guide with helpful information and pictures can be found in this link Microbiology Swab Guide or copy and paste this link to your browser: https://www.testmenu.com/rochester/TestDirectory/SiteFile?fileName=sidebar%5CMicrobiologySwabGuide82025.pdf

Lab Supply Ordering System Website Change

Update your bookmarks and use the following link to order supplies and requisitions: https://webapps.urmc.rochester.edu/labsupply/

Diagnosis Codes

As a reminder it is a requirement that diagnosis codes, (or a narrative), is provided on all laboratory orders.

Labeling Requirements for Specimens & Requisitions

In the coming months there will be an important change to the acceptability of samples received with discrepant or missing information. Once instituted, each sample not in compliance with our labeling policy will be subject to a higher level of rejection and recollection.

All samples received in the laboratory must have full first and last name of the patient, secondary identifier (DOB or MRN), collection date, collection time and collector’s initials. Electronic documentation in UR Medicine’s eRecord or interfaced systems meets this qualification, all others must record the information the specimen label. Link: Labeling Requirements

Technical Bulletins November

• Protein Electrophoresis Report Updated Date memo
• B27 Send Out Memo
• TIBC Updated Memo
• Oncomine Myeloid Assay Update Memo

For all Technical Bulletins please go to https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/pathology-labs/news/technical-bulletins.aspx

Chromosome Genome Mapping (CGM)

Friday, October 31, 2025

Effective Date: November 5, 2025

This memo serves as guidance for the upcoming limited trial for the CGM assay (Chromosome Genome Mapping) based on Optical Genome Mapping (OGM) technology for a targeted group of providers from the Reproductive Genetics team. A trial will begin on November 5, 2025 for 20–30 patient samples with the clinical indication of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Collect 5‐7 ml peripheral blood specimen in lavender top (EDTA) and green top (Sodium heparin) tubes. Providers should use the attached requisition form listing CGM as a test option. Each sample must be accompanied by a completed requisition and consent; incomplete submissions will not be processed. Specimens should be stored and transported at ambient temperature. The lab will receive specimens, perform testing and submit results through eRecord (under MACGM test code).

Expected turnaround times for reports is 14‐28 days.

Once this target is met, the lab will notify the participating providers that a pause in testing will occur while the lab works to structure a more permanent testing workflow.  

For any questions, please contact: 
                 
M. Anwar Iqbal, Ph.D., FFACMGG 
Professor 
Director, DNA Microarray CGH Laboratory  
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 
URMC Central Laboratory  
(585) 758‐0422 Office

Christine Reilingh CG(ASCP)^CM
Supervisor, Cytogenetics Laboratory  
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 
URMC Central Laboratory, Bailey Rd. 
(585) 275-1075

Protein Electrophoresis: Report Update

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Effective Date Updated: November 19, 2025

Beginning November 19, the Protein Electrophoresis patient reports will be updated to specify "M-protein". This will replace the broader "paraprotein" terminology to reflect the modern consensus.

For questions or concerns please contact:

From: Vektra Lu Casler, M.D.
Director of Clinical Laboratory Services for Jones Memorial Hospital
Clinical Pathologist and Informatician, Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of Rochester Medical Center
Phone: (585) 758-0420
Email: Vektra_Casler@URMC.Rochester.edu

TIBC/Transferrin Saturation Calculations Update

Friday, October 10, 2025

Effective Date: November 10, 2025

Using data from the University of Rochester Medicine patient population, as well as further peer research, it has been determined that the UR Medicine laboratories will resume reporting Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and Transferrin Saturation (FESAT) for patients with Ferritin values greater than 1200 ng/mL. The potential negative bias on these calculations is small and likely clinically insignificant.

For any questions, please contact:

Victoria Zhang, Ph.D., M.B.A.
Professor and Director of Clinical Chemistry
Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of Rochester Medical Center
Phone: (585) 276-4192
Email: Victoria_Zhang@urmc.rochester.edu

Oncomine Myeloid Assay Update

Friday, October 10, 2025

Effective Date: November 1, 2025

The Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory will enhance the current Oncomine Myeloid Assay (SoftLab order code: MCMP).

This updated panel will expand gene coverage to include BCORL1, GATA1, RAD21, STAT3, and UBA1, and it adds to the existing coverage of CSF3R, DDX41, GATA2, PTPN11, and SF3B1. There will be no changes to specimen requirements or the ordering process.

For any questions, please contact:

Allison Cox, Ph.D.
Interim Director of the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory
UR Medicine Labs
Phone: (585) 758-0456
Email: Allison_Cox@URMC.Rochester.edu

Paige Elliott
Supervisor, Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory
UR Medicine Labs
Phone: (585) 275-2709
Email: Paige_Elliott@urmc.rochester.edu

HLA-B27 Testing: Interim Change

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Revised: October 16, 2025

Beginning September 8, 2025, HLA-B27 disease association testing will be sent out to ARUP.

The specimens must be maintained at room temperature, refrigeration or freezing is unacceptable.

There is no expected impact to test ordering, specimen type, or turn-around-time. In-house testing will resume at a later date.

For questions or concerns please contact:

William B. Femec, C.H.T. (ACHI)
Supervisor, Tissue Typing Laboratory
University of Rochester Medical Center
Office: (585) 275-0985
Email: William_Femec@URMC.Rochester.edu

Helene R. McMurray, Ph.D., F(ACHI)
Director, Tissue Typing Laboratory
Director, Ph.D. Program in Pathology
Associate Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of Rochester Medical Center
Office: (585) 276-4368
Email: Helene_McMurray@URMC.Rochester.edu

Microarray Testing: Interim Change

Friday, May 23, 2025

Beginning May 21, 2025, DNA Microarray CGH testing for blood and tissue may be sent out to Mayo Lab. During this interim period, specimens including Blood, Chorionic Villi, Products of Conception will be triaged by the lab and sent out accordingly.

There is no impact to test requisition forms, or ordering process expected. Please continue to send completed requisitions and consent when ordering testing, as incomplete consents/orders can delay testing.

For questions or concerns please contact:

Anwar Iqbal, Ph.D., FACMG
Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Director, Microarray CGH laboratory
Associate Director, Cytogenetics Laboratory
University of Rochester Medical Center
URMC Central Laboratory, 211 Bailey Road
Phone: (585) 758-0422
Email: Anwar_Iqbal@urmc.rochester.edu