CEOs of NorDx Laboratories, Sonora Quest Laboratories, and HealthPartners/Park Nicollet Laboratories expect demand for SARS-CoV-2 tests to only increase in coming months

AUSTIN, TEXAS—For clinical laboratories and anatomic pathology groups in the United States, the single most urgent question is this: how long will the need for substantial volumes of COVID-19 testing continue? Last Wednesday, that question was answered in a most definitive way by CEOs of three nationally-prominent clinical laboratory organizations during a general session of the virtual Executive War College on Clinical Laboratory and Pathology Management.

The short answer is that large volumes of COVID-19 testing will be needed for the remaining weeks of 2020 and substantial COVID-19 testing will occur throughout 2021 and even into 2022. This has major implications for all clinical laboratories in the United States as they plan budgets for 2021 and attempt to manage their supply chain in coming weeks. The additional challenge in coming months is the surge in respiratory virus testing that is typical of an average influenza season.

The title of this information-filled general session was “Coming Next to Clinical Laboratory and Pathology: A Robust Panel Discussion of How Labs Can Prosper Clinically and Financially Going Forward.” Chair and Moderator for the panel was Robert L. Michel, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of The Dark Report and Dark Daily.

The panelists were:

• David Dexter (above left), President and CEO of Sonora Quest Laboratories, LLC, a joint venture between Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGS) and Banner Health in Tempe, Arizona. He also serves as President and CEO for Laboratory Sciences of Arizona, LLC.
• Stan Schofield (above center), President of NorDx, a regional laboratory corporation that supports an integrated delivery system at MaineHealth in Portland, Maine.
• Rick L. Panning (above right), MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM, retired as of Oct. 2 from the position of Senior Administrative Director of Laboratory Services for HealthPartners and Park Nicollet in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.

Each panelist was asked how his parent health system and clinical laboratory was preparing to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic through the end of 2020 and into 2021.

First to answer was Panning, whose laboratory serves the Minneapolis-Saint Paul market.

A distinguishing feature of healthcare in the Twin Cities is that it is at the forefront of operational and clinical integration. Competition among health networks is intense and consumer-focused services are essential if a hospital or physician office is to retain its patients and expand market share.

Panning first explained how the pandemic is intensifying in Minnesota. “Our state has been on a two-week path of rising COVID-19 case numbers,” he said. “That rise is mirrored by increased hospitalizations for COVID-19 and ICU bed utilization is going up dramatically. The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients has doubled during this time and Minnesota is surrounded by states that are even in worse shape than us.”

These trends are matched by the outpatient/outreach experience. “We are also seeing more patients use virtual visits to our clinics, compared to recent months,” noted Panning. “About 35% of clinical visits are virtual because people do not want to physically go into a clinic or doctor’s office.

“Given these recent developments, we’ve had to expand our network of specimen collection sites because of social distancing requirements,” explained Panning. “Each patient collection requires more space, along with more time to clean and sterilize that space before it can be used for the next patient. Our lab and our parent health system are focused on what we call crisis standards of care.

“For all these reasons, our planning points to an ongoing demand for COVID-19 testing,” he added. “Influenza season is arriving, and the pandemic is accelerating. Given that evidence, and the guidance from state and federal officials, we expect our clinical laboratory will be providing significant numbers of COVID-19 tests for the balance of this year and probably far into 2021.”

 COVID-19 Vaccine Could Increase Antibody and Rapid Molecular Testing

Arizona is seeing comparable increases in new daily COVID-19 cases. “There’s been a strong uptick that coincides with the governor’s decision to loosen restrictions that allowed bars and exercise clubs to open,” stated Dexter. “We’ve gone from a 3.8% positivity rate up to 7% as of last night. By the end of this week, we could be a 10% positivity rate.”

Looking at the balance of 2020 and into 2021, Dexter said, “Our lab is in the midst of budget planning. We are budgeting to support an increase in COVID-19 PCR testing in both November and December. Arizona state officials believe that COVID-19 cases will peak at the end of January and we’ll start seeing the downside in February of 2021.”

The possible availability of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is another factor in planning at Dexter’s clinical laboratory. “If such a vaccine becomes available, we think there will be a significant increase in antibody testing, probably starting in second quarter and continuing for the balance of 2021. There will also be a need for rapid COVID-19 molecular tests. Today, such tests are simply unavailable. Because of supply chain difficulties, we predict that they won’t be available in sufficient quantities until probably late 2021.”

COVID-19 Testing Supply Shortages Predicted as Demand Increases

At NorDx Laboratories in Portland, Maine, the expectation is that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue even into 2022. “Our team believes that people will be wearing masks for 18 more months and that COVID-19 testing with influenza is going to be the big demand this winter,” observed Schofield. “The demand for both COVID-19 and influenza testing will press all of us up against the wall because there are not enough reagents, plastics, and plates to handle the demand that we see building even now. 

“Our hospitals are already preparing for a second surge of COVID-19 cases,” he said.

COVID-19 patients will be concentrated in only three or four hospitals. The other hospitals will handle routine work. Administration does not want to have COVID-19 patients spread out over 12 or 14 hospitals, as happened last March and April.

“Administration of the health system and our clinical laboratory think that the COVID-19 test volume and demand for these tests will be tough on our lab for another 12 months. This will be particularly true for COVID-19 molecular tests.”

As described above, the CEOs of these three major clinical laboratories believe that the demand for COVID-19 testing will continue well into 2021, and possibly also into 2022. A recording of the full session was captured by the virtual Executive War College and, as a public service to the medical laboratory and pathology profession, access to this recording will be provided to any lab professional who contacts info@darkreport.com and provides their email address, name, title, and organization.

Executive War College Closing Session

This week’s closing general session of the virtual Executive War College also will deal with the current state of the clinical laboratory industry and bring together three notable lab industry leaders and thinkers. The session, titled “What Comes Next in Healthcare and Laboratory Medicine: Essential Insights to Position Your Clinical Lab and Pathology Group for Clinical and Financial Success, Whether COVID or No COVID,” takes place Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern.

Your presenters will be:

• John Kershaw, Chair and Moderator—President and Chief Executive Officer, Sysmex America, Lincolnshire, Illinois.
• Bob McGonnagle, Panelist—Publisher, CAP TODAY, Northfield, Illinois.
• Robert L. Michel, Panelist—Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, The Dark Report and Dark Daily, Spicewood, Texas.

Given the importance of sound strategic planning for all clinical laboratories and pathology groups during their fall budget process, the virtual Executive War College is opening this session to all professionals in laboratory medicine, in vitro diagnostics, and lab informatics.

To register for access, visit: https://dark.regfox.com/executive-war-college-2020. Enter the code: COURTESYCAPTDR. Next, select “apply code” and complete the registration.

—Michael McBride

Related Information:

Coming Next to Clinical Laboratory and Pathology: A Robust Discussion of How Labs Can Prosper Clinically and Financially Going Forward

Expert Panel—What Comes Next in Healthcare and Laboratory Medicine: Essential Insights to Position your Clinical Lab and Pathology Group for Clinical and Financial Success, COVID or No COVID

One study showed that in 2019, 18-percent of patients came in for major amputation versus a whopping 42-percent this year.

Studies show rise in amputations among diabetic patients since pandemic beganVolume 90% Author: Michael Gibson (KIII)Published: 7:37 PM CST December 2, 2020Updated: 7:40 PM CST December 2, 2020

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A couple of recent studies show the effects of the pandemic on the healthcare of diabetic patients and the news is not good. It has prompted experts to remind those with diabetes about just how important preventative care is.

Serei Lee is a doctor of podiatry who moved here from Los Angeles back in 2007. His goal — to try and save more diabetics from having to have an amputation.

“At that time it is said that Corpus Christi and the Valley were number one and number two as having the highest rate of amputation in the country, so my specialty involves saving limbs,” Lee said.

When shown two studies that were published in Podiatry Today, he wasn’t too surprised by the findings. The researchers discovered that diabetes patients were coming in for major amputations at a much higher rate than they were before the coronavirus pandemic began. One study showed that in 2019, 18-percent of patients came in for major amputation versus a whopping 42-percent this year.

Dr. Lee said he was also seeing an increase here in patients who waited too long to see a doctor because of the pandemic.

“If they couldn’t come see me at the same time they go to the ER and that’s when they would call me at Christus Spohn Shoreline, and that’s when I come in. My volume in the office, it’s obviously dropped, but I get a lot of consults because of the reasons we mentioned,” Lee said. “Yes sir, a lot of a diabetic ulcers complications that they couldn’t be managed in outpatient setting due to various reasons to not be able to see a specialist.”

Research scientists also noted a higher degree of tissue loss in pandemic patients than pre-pandemic. Up to 59-percent more from last year. The doctor again believes the delay in treatment would lead to more complications.

“A healthy population, they have a cut, keep it clean, just use over-the-counter ointment and they’ll do fine,” Lee said. “But you throw in different complications, you have an open hole for a couple of months, for a couple of weeks, and slowly it deteriorated, not healing but it went through different stages of infection and that’s when they come to me or go to the local hospital.”

Lee said people should use these research findings as a warning — one that should have folks following up with their primary care physician or with their wound care doctor so if a problem does develop, it can be caught early before amputation is the only option.

For the latest updates on coronavirus in the Coastal Bend, click here.

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• Purchasing or selling items online? Meet at one of CCPD’s safe exchange locations

VACCINE

Upcoming COVID-19 vaccine clinics in the Coastal Bend. Here’s what you need to know.

The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District will administer over 18,000 COVID-19 vaccines this week.Something went wrong.More VideosNext Up40 years later, a survivor speaks out about the Grain Elevator accident on the Corpus Christi Ship CLanes on Harbor Bridge will close for safety inspections this weekVolume 90% Author: James Ayala, Haley WilliamsPublished: 3:12 PM CST January 15, 2021Updated: 7:28 AM CDT April 8, 2021

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The COVID-19 vaccine is arriving in the Coastal Bend and many of our viewers have had questions about how to get the shot, how safe it is, and even the side-effects.

So, we have put together a guide with everything you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine in the Coastal Bend, starting with County Health District mega clinics.

RELATED: Sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine with the new appointment portal in Texas

RELATED: Infectious Disease expert backs the research, data behind COVID-19 vaccines

Nueces County

18,000 COVID-19 vaccines this week: 

Registration is open for anyone over the age of 16 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Thursday evening’s Driscoll Children’s Hospital Vaccine Site. 

First doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be administered Thursday, April 8, 6-7:45 p.m., at Driscoll Children’s Hospital Auditorium, 3533 S. Alameda St. Please check in at the main entrance.

You must have an appointment in order to receive the vaccine.

Individuals under the age of 18 must have consent from their parents or legal guardian in order to be vaccinated.

The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District will have first and second dose vaccination clinics next week for residents 18 years and older.

• On Thursday, April 8 – The Health District will administer 3,300 second dose and 1,000 first doses of Moderna vaccines beginning at 9 a.m. during a walk-thru clinic at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds, 1213 Terry Shamsie Boulevard in Robstown, Texas.

To pre-register by phone, call 361-561-1101. To pre-register online, visit www.cctexas.com/vaccineregistration and click on the “Vaccination Registration” link. During online pre-registration you must receive a Quick Response (QR) code. Once the online pre-registration limit is reached, you will not be able to register until additional vaccines become available.

Notification of appointment date and time will be messaged to clients by text or landline scheduled for individuals pre-registered.

The City will continue to notify the public as more vaccines become available.

Credit: The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District

San Patricio County 

There will be three first dose vaccine clinics in San Patricio County. Here’s what you need to know.

A Moderna walk up clinic will be held at the San Patricio County Fairgrounds Event Center from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. held on Wednesday, April 7, Thursday, April 8, and Friday, April 9.

RELATED: Veterans can receive the vaccine at several VA offices in the Coastal Bend

RELATED: Vaccines for homeless veterans in Corpus Christi

Save Our Seniors

The hotline number is 1-888-728-0018 and is available in English and Spanish. Seniors and individuals who are homebound are invited to register for this program. The hotline number will only be open during the pre-registration time, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The vaccine administered will be Moderna.

A homebound senior is identified as a patron who is unable to leave their home without difficulty. It is usually due to advanced age, illness, or disability.

The Corpus Christi model for the SOS program is being used in 98 counties across the state and on track to vaccinate two million seniors. The CCFD will continue to offer vaccinations as vaccines become available.

To find out more about the Save Our Seniors Homebound program visit www.cctexas.com/sos.

24 hour pre-registration

City leaders gathered at City Hall for their weekly COVID-19 press conference and the group shed a little light on how vaccination effort are going across the county. 

According to Mayor Paulette Guajardo, the city’s online pre-registration will now be open 24 hours a day. Instead of closing when they’ve reached a certain limit, they’ll take those people and put them on a list for a future vaccination clinic.

“During your online pre-registration, just remember you must receive a QR code,” Guajardo said. “So be sure to complete all the online registration steps in order to assure you receive the code, notification of appointment, date and time will be messages to client via text or landline when a future vaccination clinic has been scheduled.”

The hotline number is 361-561-1101.

PharmGKB and CPIC partnered with ClinGen last summer to bring curated pharmacogenomics (PGx) to the resource which defines the clinical relevance of genes and variants in the human genome. A new Pharmacogenomics column has been added to ClinGen’s curated gene categories.  130 PGx genes curated by PharmGKB and/or CPIC are now listed on the ClinGen website with links back to the PharmGKB and CPIC websites for more detailed information.

ClinGen displays all gene-drug pairs from PharmGKB with Level 1 & 2 Clinical Annotations along with (1) a link to the relevant PharmGKB drug page, (2) the highest annotation level for the gene-drug pair (linked to the explanation of PharmGKB’s Levels of Evidence), (3) the date of the last update and (4) a link to view all PharmGKB Clinical Annotations for that gene-drug pair.

ClinGen also displays all CPIC gene-drug pairs with levels A-D.  Where applicable, these are grouped by CPIC guideline with (1) a link to the CPIC guideline page and (2) gene-drug pairs list page.  Gene-drug pairs with provisional CPIC levels (i.e. those awaiting further evaluation and potentially guideline development) link to the gene-drug pairs list page.