Minnesota Laboratory System

Public Health Laboratory

"An integrated network of public and private clinical laboratories working together to protect and improve the health of all Minnesotans"

On this page:
2013 Lab Alerts
2012 Lab Alerts
2011 Lab Alerts
2010 Lab Alerts
2009 Lab Alerts
Lab Alert Categories
Archived Alerts

2013 Lab Alerts

MLS Laboratory Update: May 2, 2013
H7N9 Update, globally, nationally, and in MN (PDF: 59KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: April 19, 2013
Faxing of All Mycobacteriology Laboratory Results (PDF: 30KB/1 page)

MLS Update: April 12, 2013
Powassan and Arbovirus Testing for the 2013 Season (PDF: 31KB/2 pages)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update: April 10, 2013
ASM Revised Sentinel Lab Protocols (PDF: 87KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update
CDC Health Advisory: April 5, 2013
Human Infections with Novel Influenza A (H7N9) Viruses (PDF: 47KB/4 pages)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #8: April 4, 2013
Influenza Laboratory Update (PDF: 87KB/4 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: March 12, 2013
Novel Coronavirus Update (PDF: 194KB/3 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: February 22, 2013
Changes in the MDH TB Laboratory (PDF: 87KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update, January 25, 2013
REMINDER: MDH Mycobacteriology (TB) Laboratory Customer Satisfaction Survey
TB Lab Customer Update (PDF: 168KB/1 page)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #7, January 24, 2013
Influenza laboratory Update (PDF: 157KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update, January 16, 2013
TB Lab Customer Satisfaction Survey (PDF: 87KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Fungal Outbreak Update #12, January 16, 2013
Outbreak Winding Down (PDF: 89KB/1 page)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update, January 10, 2013
Newborn Screening Adds Test for SCID (PDF: 160KB/1 page)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #6, January 4, 2013
Widespread Influenza Activity (PDF: 224KB/1 page)

2012 Lab Alerts

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #5, December 21, 2012
2012-2013 Influenza Season change of specimen submission guidelines (PDF: 194KB/2 pages)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #4, December 14, 2012
2012-2013 Influenza Season (PDF: 175KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update, December 13, 2012
Varicella Reporting (PDF: 106KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update, December 11, 2012
Arboviral surveillance (PDF: 84KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update, December 5, 2012
Short Survey to Inform MDH about Utilization of Culture Independent Testing (PDF: 90KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Fungal Outbreak Update #11, December 4, 2012
CDC Health Update: Additional Contamination Identified in Medical Products from New England Compounding Center (PDF: 52KB/3 pages)

MLS Laboratory Fungal Outbreak Update #10, November 21, 2012
CDC Health Advisory Update: Multistate Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis and Other Infections Associated with Contaminated Steroid Medication (PDF: 169KB/3 pages)

MLS Laboratory Fungal Outbreak Update #9, November 15, 2012
13th Case of Fungal Infection in Minnesota (PDF: 166KB/1 page)

MLS Update: Influenza Update #3, November 9, 2012
Possible influenza rapid test malfunction (PDF: 81KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Meningitis UPDATE #8: November 2, 2012
CDC Health Advisory – Contamination Identified in Additional Medical Products from NECC (PDF: 259KB/3 pages)

MLS Laboratory Meningitis UPDATE #7: November 1, 2012
CDC Health Advisory – Voluntary Recall of All Ameridose Medical Products (PDF: 174KB/2 pages)

MLS Update: October 30, 2012
New Phone Number for Rule-Out and Referral of Potential BT Organisms (PDF: 135KB/1 page)

MLS Update: Laboratory Meningitis UPDATE #6: October 17, 2012
Request for Additional Information Regarding the Meningitis Outbreak Associated with Potentially Contaminated Steroid Products (PDF: 136KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update #5: October 16, 2012
Update on the Meningitis Outbreak Associated with Potentially Contaminated Steroid Products (PDF: 259KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Influenza Update #2: October 16, 2012
First Influenza Isolate of the Season Confirmed as Influenza A (PDF: 68KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory UPDATE #4: October 08, 2012
Important Update on Specimen Submission for the Meningitis Outbreak (PDF: 261KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory UPDATE #3: October 5, 2012
Additional Information on the Meningitis Outbreak – Diagnostic Testing (PDF: 180KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory ADVISORY: October 4, 2012
CHANGE in Request for Information on Aspergillus fumigatus in Sterile Sites (PDF: 67KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory UPDATE: October 3, 2012
Invitation to Participate in Challenge Set Eleven (PDF: 65KB/1 page)
Please respond by October 11, 2012

MLS Laboratory UPDATE: October 1, 2012
Request for Information on Aspergillus fumigatus in CSF (PDF: 64KB/1 page)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update: September 19, 2012
2012 – 2013 Influenza Season (PDF: 133KB/3 pages)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update: September 14, 2012
Influenza Testing Assessment Reminder and Teleconference (PDF: 78KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update: September 12, 2012
Plesiomonas shigelloides - MDH to Determine Incidence in MN (PDF: 148KB/1 page)

MLS: Influenza Laboratory Update: September 10, 2012
Invitation to Participate: MLS Laboratory Influenza/RSV Weekly Surveillance (PDF: 67KB/1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update: August 16, 2012
Reminder - MDH Offers Approved Packaging and Shipping Regulations Training (PDF: 138KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update: August 14, 2012
Evaluation of Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests for Influenza A (H3N2)v Virus (PDF: 91KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update: August 9, 2012
Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) Associated with Swimming (PDF: 67KB/2 page)

MLS Laboratory Update: August 6, 2012
Influenza A H3N2v Infections: Increased Reports in Three States (PDF: 189KB/2 page)

MLS Laboratory Update: August 2, 2012
Clarification - Pertussis Epidemic (PDF: 149KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update: July 23, 2012
Reminder: MDH Offers Approved Packaging and Shipping Regulations Training (PDF: 149KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update: July 20, 2012
Pertussis Update (PDF: 149KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update: July 19, 2012
Cryptosporidium Outbreak (PDF: 149KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update: July 17, 2012
Important Changes in Newborn Screening (PDF: 149KB/1 page)

MDH Offers Approved Packaging and Shipping Regulations Training: July 11, 2012
Packaging Shipping Training (PDF: 25KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update: July 3, 2012
New MLS Program Advisor (PDF: 34KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update: July 3, 2012
First West Nile Virus Case of the Season (PDF: 143KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update: April 11, 2012
2012 Regional Laboratory Conference Schedule Set – Registration Open

MLS Laboratory Update: March 28, 2012
Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis in Waterparks (PDF: 148KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: March 26, 2012
Powassan testing for the 2012 season (PDF: 73KB/2 pages)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #5: March 23, 2012
Submission of specimens for influenza surveillance (PDF: 154KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Advisory: March 21, 2012
MDH Guidance for Packaging and Shipping Regulations (PDF: 191KB/3 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: March 16, 2012
Notification of Upcoming Statewide Laboratory Exercise and Informational Teleconference (PDF: 75KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update: February 23, 2012
Testing Practices for Enteric Pathogens – please respond

2011 Lab Alerts

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #4: December 15, 2011
Increased Surveillance for Novel Swine-Origin Influenza A (PDF: 154KB/2 pages)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #3: December 6, 2011
Reminder: Submission of Specimens on Hospitalized Patients (PDF: 143KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: November 17, 2011
Detection of Isolates with NDM-1 Resistance Mechanism - Minnesota (PDF: 58KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update: November 1, 2011
Changes in the MDH TB Laboratory (PDF: 42KB/2 pages)

MLS: Influenza Laboratory Update #2: October 13, 2011
First Influenza Isolate of the Season Confirmed as Influenza A (PDF: 144KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #1: September 16, 2011
Influenza Update (PDF: 117KB/4 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update: February 17, 2011
Best Practices on the Use of PCR Testing for Pertussis Diagnosis
(PDF: 23KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update: February 15, 2011
Proposed MDH Reporting Rule Change for HIV-Associated Laboratory Testing
(PDF: 22KB, 2 pages)

MLS: Influenza Laboratory Update #6
Influenza Laboratory Update #6 2010-2011 Influenza Season
(PDF: 23KB, 3 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update: January 25, 2011
IDSA Makes Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Recommendations
(PDF: 23KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update: January 18, 2011
CLSI Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Teleconferences
(PDF: 51KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update: January 12, 2011
Legionellosis Surveillance Update
(PDF: 28KB/2 pages)

2010 Lab Alerts

MLS: Laboratory Update: December 10, 2010
Revised CDC Guidelines for Prevention of Perinatal Group B Strep
(PDF: 19KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: October 28, 2010
MDH TB Laboratory Updates
(PDF: 19KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update: September 23, 2010
Detection of a Rare Metallo-beta-lactamase Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae
(PDF: 34KB/3 pages)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #2: September 17, 2010
2010-2011 Influenza Season
(PDF: 42KB/5 pages)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #1: September 14, 2010
Influenza A/H3 in a Minnesota Long-term Care Facility
(PDF: 19KB/3 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: August 23, 2010
Cryptosporidium Update
(PDF: 23KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: August 10, 2010
First West Nile Virus Case of the Season
(PDF: 19KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: August 8, 2010
CDC Influenza Health Advisory
(PDF: 25KB/3 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: July 19, 2010
Retrospective Surveillance for Cronobacter sakazakii Infections
(PDF: 22KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: June 28, 2010
Newly Described Resistance Mechanism in Enterobacteriaceae
(PDF: 22KB/2 pages)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #12: June 23, 2010
Update on Influenza Testing at MDH-Public Health Laboratory
(PDF: 21KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: May 27, 2010
E. coli Cases in MN Associated with Raw Milk
(PDF: 13KB/1 page)

MLS Laboratory Update: May 11, 2010
Human Anaplasmosis & Ehrlichiosis Important Update
(PDF: 26KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: May 07, 2010
Vancomycin Resistant/Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA/VISA) Reminder
(PDF: 78KB/2 pages)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #11: May 3, 2010
Update on MN Influenza Surveillance Plans for the Summer (May - August)
(PDF: 26KB/3 pages)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #10: March 29, 2010
Update on Influenza Testing at MDH-Public Health Laboratory
(PDF: 19KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: March 5, 2010
Unusual Cluster of Group A Streptococcus Being Investigated
(PDF: 21KB/2 pages)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #9: February 25, 2010
Opportunity to Provide Feedback to MDH Regarding H1N1 Response Action Requested
(PDF: 20KB/2 pages)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #8: February 4, 2010
Influenza PCR Testing - Survey Results Posted
(PDF: 22KB/1 page)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #7: January 13, 2010
Specimen Submission and Reporting for Influenza - Minor Changes
(PDF: 34KB/3 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update: January 4, 2010
Proposed MDH Reporting Rule Change for HIV - Associated Laboratory Testing
(PDF: 24KB/1 page)

2009 Lab Alerts

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #6: December 2, 2009
Update on Current Influenza Activity in Minnesota
(PDF: 28KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: November 18, 2009
UPS Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule
Transport of Newborn Screening Specimens
Receipt of Influenza Specimens
(PDF: 22KB/2 pages)

MLS Influenza Laboratory Update #5: November 9, 2009
MDH Interim 2009 H1N1 Influenza
Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines are posted
(PDF: 28KB/2 pages)

MLS Laboratory Update: November 5, 2009
Veterans Day Holiday - MDH Hours of Operation
(PDF: 26KB/1 page)

MLS Influenza Update #4: October 19, 2009
Revised Screening Form & Information on Lab Tests Affected by Nasal Mist Vaccine
(PDF: 29KB/2 pages)

MLS Influenza Update #3: October 08, 2009
New CDC Influenza Publications
(PDF: 29KB/2 pages)

MLS Influenza Update #2: October 7, 2009
Submission of Lower Respiratory Specimens
(PDF: 23KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update: September 24, 2009
Influenza Season: Update #1
(PDF: 41KB/3 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update: September 22, 2009
Influenza Audio-conference for MLS Laboratories on October 16
(PDF: 29KB/1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update: September 17, 2009
Weekly MLS Laboratory Influenza Surveillance-Starting Soon
(PDF: 24KB/1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update #22: September 4, 2009
Influenza Testing Status for MDH-PHL
(PDF: 27KB/1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update: August 10, 2009
August 17th Teleconference for Labs Considering
Implementation of Influenza PCR Testing
(PDF: 24KB/1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update #21: August 04, 2009
Interim Guidance for Detection of Novel Influenza A Virus
Using Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests
(PDF: 25KB/1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update: July 29, 2009
Powassan Encephalitis and Rocky Mountain
Spotted-Fever Cases Identified in MN
(PDF: 32KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update: July 23, 2009
Survey Results for the IGRA for Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(PDF: 25KB/1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update: July 16, 2009
Faxing Influenza Results - Request for Information
(PDF: 16KB/1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update #20: July 10, 2009
H1N1 - Oseltamivir Resistant Viruses
(PDF: 27KB/1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update #19: July 8, 2009
Two additional H1N1-associated deaths in MN
(PDF: 14KB/1 page)

MLS: Laboratory: June 19, 2009
E.coli 0157:H7 Cases Linked to Toll House Brand Cookie Dough
(PDF: 25KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #18: June 17, 2009
Change in Criteria for MDH Testing of H1N1 Influenza
(PDF: 19KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #17: June 15, 2009
MN first death associated with H1N1 novel Influenza
(PDF: 20KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #16: June 5, 2009
Novel H1N1 Influenza A strain Continues;
Seasonal Influenza Waning
(PDF: 33KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #15: May 14, 2009
MDH-PHL Change in Weekend Testing for Novel H1N1 Influenza A
(PDF: 29KB/1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update #14: May 8, 2009
MDH-PHL Now Conducting Confirmatory Novel H1N1 Influenza A Testing
(PDF: 29KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #13: May 8, 2009
Clarification of Laboratory Testing Procedures for Novel H1N1 Influenza A
(PDF: 31KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #12: May 7, 2009
Weekend Receipt of Specimens at MDH Laboratory Testing for Novel H1N1 Influenza A strain
(PDF: 21KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #11: May 5, 2009
Interim MDH - H1N1 Novel Influenza A Specimen Submission Recommendations
(PDF: 42KB/3 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #10: May 4, 2009
Reliability and Interpretation of Rapid Influenza Test Results
(PDF: 29KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #9: May 1, 2009
H1N1 Novel Influenza - Probable Second Case in Minnesota
(PDF: 30KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #8: May 1, 2009
CHANGE in CDC Guidance for Rapid Influenza Testing in the Clinic Setting
(PDF: 31KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #7: April 30, 2009
Laboratory Testing of H1N1 novel influenza strain
(PDF: 30KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #6: April 30, 2009
Illness of Minnesota resident confirmed by CDC as H1N1 novel influenza strain
(PDF: 21KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #5: April 29, 2009
Infection Control for Healthcare Workers – Human Swine Influenza A (H1N1)
(PDF: 34KB/3 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #4: April 29, 2009
Probable Swine Flu Case in Central Minnesota
(PDF: 33KB/3 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #3: April 27, 2009
Human Swine Influenza A; Specimen Submission to MDH-PHL
(PDF: 51KB/3 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #2: April 27, 2009
Human Swine Influenza A; Laboratory Safety
(PDF: 22KB/2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update #1: April 25, 2009
Human Swine Influenza A; Correction - Swab Type
(PDF: 52KB/3 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Advisory: April 23, 2009
Human Swine Influenza A
(PDF: 29KB, 1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update: April 8, 2009
Testing for Tick-Borne Diseases Survey
(PDF: 29KB, 1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update: March 25, 2009
KPC Protocols on CDC Site
(PDF: 35KB, 1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update: March 16, 2009
Registration is now open for MLS Regional Lab Conferences
(PDF: 35KB, 1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update: February 24, 2009
K. pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC) -
Producer Isolated in MN
(PDF: 45KB, 2 pages)

MLS: Laboratory Update: January 28, 2009
MDH Test Request Form: Submitter Name or Number REQUIRED
(PDF: 28KB, 1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update: January 23, 2009
Haemophilus influenza, type B (Hib) Cases Increase
(PDF: 20KB, 1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update: January 23, 2009
Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Survey Reminder
(PDF: 24KB, 1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update: January 13, 2009
Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Survey
(PDF: 20KB, 1 page)

MLS: Laboratory Update: January 9, 2009
Information Regarding MN Laboratory Personnel Licensure
(PDF: 20KB, 1 page)

Archived Alerts
2008 Alerts

Categories of MLS Lab Alerts:

Laboratory ALERT
Conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action, attention or response.

Laboratory ADVISORY
Provides important laboratory information which needs to be reviewed in a timely manner; may not require immediate action or response. (Previously designated as "Important Laboratory Information")

Laboratory UPDATE
Provides routine laboratory information; unlikely to require immediate action or response. (Previously designated as "Routine Laboratory Information")

Updated

Thursday, 02-May-2013 10:13:26 CDT