Beginning January 10, 2023, OpTime order sources for microbiology cultures will be simplified. Sources will be organized according to what is commonly ordered on a particular surgical or procedural service. This change will streamline the most common orders in areas that use OpTime.

Specimen source is the sole determinant of what protocol is performed, so make sure to find the specimen most appropriate to your sample type. Because only commonly used sources are built in OpTime, orders must occasionally be placed directly in Epic.

In OpTime sources will be designated with M as a synonym so they can be easily located (not case sensitive):

• MBurn
• MCardiac
• MCSF
• MENT
• MEYE
• MGI
• MLung
• MOrtho/joint
• MUro-Genital

Questions concerning this broadcast can be directed to Kate Halliwill, Lead Laboratory Scientist ext. 6-2591. Questions regarding laboratory protocol as it relates to specimen source can be addressed to the on-call Microbiology resident at pager 4903. Questions regarding Epic and OpTime ordering can be addressed to the Helpdesk at 6-0001.