Special Communication:

Upcoming Changes to Chemistry Tests

Effective April 17, 2018, there will be changes to the build, reference ranges, and special/clinical information for the following chemistry tests:

Build / Reference Range:

Specimen Validity pH, Urine: 4.5 – 8.0

Specimen Validity Specific Gravity, Urine: 1.002 – 1.030

Specimen Validity Creatinine, Urine
18–99 Years (Male): 46.8 – 314.5 mg/dL
18–99 Years (Female): 42.2 – 237.9 mg/dL

Specimen Validity Nitrites, Urine: ≤ 50 mg/L

Specimen Validity Oxidants, Urine: < 200 mg/L

Specimen Validity Chromate, Urine: < 50 mg/L

Tests:

6-Monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) Confirmation, Urine (U6AMCO)

Amphetamine Confirmation, Urine (UAMPC)

Benzodiazepines Conf, Ur (UBENZC)

Benzoylecgonine Confirmation/Quantitation (BECGO)

Buprenorphine Quant, Urine (UQNTBU)

Cannabinoid Confirmation, Ur (UTHCC)

Cocaine Confirmation, Urine (UCOCC)

Fentanyl and Metabolite, Urine (UFENT)

Methadone Quantitation, Urine (UQMET)

Opiate Confirmation, Urine (OPICON)

Oxycodone Confirmation, Urine (UOXYCC)

Quantitative Pain Panel, Urine (UQNTPP)

Tramadol and Metabolite, Quantitation (TRAQNT)

In addition to build and special/clinical information changes, the following tests will also have an adjustment to the reference range for Oxycodone:

Oxycodone:

Reference Range – Oxycodone, Urine: < 10 ng/mL

Tests:

Opiate Confirmation, Urine (OPICON)

Oxycodone Confirmation, Urine (UOXYCC)

Quantitative Pain Panel, Urine (UQNTPP)

Special Information:

Specimen Validity Testing (SVT) analytes have a stability of up to 5 days at 2 – 8 °C, as stated in the Instructions for Use (IFU). Based on the laboratory’s studies, this stability is based on samples that have reached an equilibrium.

• Introduction of oxidants to a urine sample will not be stable until an equilibrium is achieved.
• Time to reach equilibrium will vary dependent on the type and amount of oxidant used as an adulterant.

Clinical Information:

For Specimen Validity Interpretations, the following rules are applied:

Any additional information regarding this testing will be included in a future Technical Update.  If you have any questions, please contact Client Services for assistance.