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General Questions
 

What phone number do I call for surgical pathology results?:
 

The phone numbers for surgical pathology results are: 1-800-659-0395 or 1-701-530-6745.

 

Which ice packs can be used to keep a sample frozen during transit?:
 

Northern Plains Laboratory would like to assure your frozen samples are not thawing during transit. Please package your frozen samples between two dark blue ice packs with the identification XC-12R. Please band the ice packs together tightly with the sample “sandwiched” between the ice packs. Place the “sandwiched” sample on the bottom of the cooler. Add a few of the refrigerator packs (white) on the top of the sample. Please pack the empty space in the box with other packaging material to prevent unbundling during transit. If you currently do not have any ice packs with the identification XC-12R, please submit a supply order. The correct supply code to order for frozen packs is 800986.

 

How do I get an updated copy of NPL’s CLIA certificate?:
 

An updated, printable copy of NPL’s CLIA certificate is found in the Test Catalog under General Information – Accreditation.

   
HVR Questions
 

What kind of interface(s) is the HVR capable of?:
 

1) The HVR can be customized to accept orders through an 'Order Entry Interface'. 2) The HVR can be customized to accept patient demographic information, without the complete order. 3) The HVR can be customized to send back results through a 'Result Interface'.

 

Can the HVR send results to your Electronic Medical Records?:
 

Yes, we have the ability to customize an interface to send results to your EMR.

   
Medical Questions
 

What is the most efficient testing algorithm for diagnosing hepatitis C virus?:
 

Click here for information.

 

How do I properly centrifuge a sample to achieve platelet-poor plasma?:
 

Follow the double centrifuge technique below to achieve platelet-poor plasma. 1. Spin down the specimen at 3000 RPM (1600g) for a full 10 minutes. 2. Transfer the plasma to a plastic tube with a plastic pipet, staying clear from the buffy coat layer. Do not use glass tubes or glass Pasteur pipets as glass can activate the clotting cascade. 3. Spin down the plasma portion again at 3000 RPM for 10 minutes. With another plastic pipet, transfer the plasma to another plastic tube, staying clear of the bottom portion of the tube where the platelets lie. 4. Freeze the sample. The sample must remain frozen in transit. Ship on dry ice.

 

Why do you only report penicillin and oxacillin results for beta-lactam antibiotics on isolates of Staphylococcus species?:
 

Click here for information.

 

What test code do I use to order a culture from a particular body site?:
 

Click here for information.