On Tuesday August 16th an instrument in the microbiology laboratory will be taken down for scheduled maintenance. This means that testing received overnight (before 6AM) is likely to be completed by 8AM. Testing will not resume until approximately 5PM and backlogs will not be cleared until at least midnight.

The following tests will be affected:

• Expedited COVID-19 testing (select admissions and discharges), RSV Panel and standalone PCR, and Influenza A/B Panel. Routine COVID-19 testing and influenza testing will not be affected, nor will the respiratory pathogen panel (LAB8656).
• C. difficile toxin screen
• Group A Step PCR
• Group B Strep PCR
• Trichomonas PCR
• Gonorrhea PCR
• Chlamydia PCR
• MRSA nasal screening by PCR

Questions specifically related to this issue can be directed to Bradley Ford, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Clinical Microbiology; (ext. 6-2990, bradley-ford@uiowa.edu; *8290).