New Web Portal

At the end of December 2022, the laboratory launched a new web portal powered by Apollo LIMS. The web portal has advanced features together with a more robust report lookup, including the ability to: 1) create electronic orders, 2) print e-requisitions, 3) correct orders, and 4) message the laboratory. We hope this will be an interactive tool to manage orders and results. 

The web portal can be accessed through the lab’s website at: www.slocounty.ca.gov/LabWebPortal.aspx. 

If your location does not have an account, please reach out to the laboratory using the contact information at the end of this bulletin.

Change to STI and SARS-CoV-2 Testing

The SLO Public Health Laboratory will be returning to the Hologic Panther instrument for testing of sexually transmitted infections (STIs [Chlamydia, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis]) and SARS-CoV-2. The Hologic Panther platform uses transcription-mediated amplification and dual kinetic assay technologies to streamline specimen processing, amplify target rRNA, and detect amplicon. This changeover from the Roche Cobas 6800 is expected to occur the week of January 27. In advance of this, the laboratory has distributed Aptima collection kits appropriate for multi-site STI testing. Specimen collection for SARS-CoV-2 will not be impacted. No disruptions in testing services are anticipated. 

Respiratory Virus Surveillance

The SLO Public Health Laboratory has been participating in the California SARS-CoV-2 and Respiratory Virus Sentinel Surveillance System (CalSRVSS), which provides a snapshot of circulating respiratory viruses in the county. Below is a graphic that captures counts of respiratory virus detections in the fall/winter of 2022. Both respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A were detected at high levels, and the proportion of influenza A H3 versus influenza A H12009 was approximately 4-to-1. SARS-CoV-2 prevalence increased in December and the beginning of January.

Laboratory Supervisor Update

It is with a mixture of sadness and deep gratitude that we announce the retirement of Stacy Z. Evans from the role of laboratory supervisor after more than 32 years of service to the county. Stacy has been a passionate defender of public health and a stalwart supporter of the laboratory, implementing many new technologies and developing a cohesive laboratory team. Although many residents in SLO County have never heard of Stacy Evans, her work over the years has silently protected many from illness and disease. She is already greatly missed!

As a successor, the laboratory is pleased to relate that Lucia Martinez has assumed the role of Supervising Public Health Microbiologist in Stacy’s stead. Lucia brings more than 15 years of experience as a microbiologist, a pandemic-tested fortitude, and a knowledge of the inner workings of the laboratory.  We expect great things from her leadership and dedication.

Questions? 

Please contact the Laboratory Director by email or phone. 

Glen M. Miller, PhD, HCLD(ABB)

Director, Public Health Laboratory

San Luis Obispo County Public Health Laboratory

2191 Johnson Avenue

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

(805) 781-5512

[email protected]