Reflex test confusion addressed

By Sheryl Asplund, MD, Saint Joseph Lab Medical Director

There has been some confusion regarding a reflex test used in Hematology, XHLD for Aptio.

We have a new automated line in the laboratory that robotically brings specimens to the analyzers and then takes them to storage once tested. In this process, we often need a specimen to not go to storage so that it can be evaluated, such as looking for a clotted specimen or possibly making a dilution of the sample due to a high count. This reflex test allows for that evaluation.

This reflex test does not have a result that goes to the patient chart, nor does it have any charges associated with it.

To address some of the confusion surrounding this new information that some of you have seen, we have changed the name of the reflex test to Specimen Storage Paused for Evaluation. Again, this is for the Laboratory's use and you do not need to take any action on this test.

Please contact me with any additional questions about this.