Sparrow is first state health system to create in-house monkeypox testing for patients

LANSING, MI – Sparrow has become the first health system in Michigan to create its own in-house monkeypox testing for patients, speeding up results and getting care to those who need it quickly.

Sparrow Laboratories developed the testing process and began implementing it within the past week. The monkeypox test is available only for Sparrow inpatients and outpatients and through referrals from physicians. Results, analyzed on-site by Sparrow Laboratories, will be available within 24 hours.

The timing of the new test is crucial as a way to get a handle on increasing monkeypox cases, said Paul Entler, D.O., Chief Clinical Officer for Sparrow Health System.

“Being able to have your own test is important,” Dr. Entler said. “Time is of the essence when we’re trying to reduce further spread of the disease.

“Just a few weeks ago there were only six cases in the state, now there are over 70, and I imagine as more testing is available, we’ll see more cases. Hence, why it’s important to understand the signs of symptoms of monkeypox.”

The testing process works by first checking if the patient has a virus in the orthopox family – such as smallpox or monkeypox. If positive for orthopox, further testing is performed to check specifically for monkeypox and then the particular strain. Symptoms of monkeypox are a noticeable rash, fever, headaches, muscle aches, exhaustion, and chills, among others.

“Why the testing and turnaround is so important is that we want to get within that window of zero to four days to vaccinate those who have had high-risk exposure,” Dr. Entler said. “Typically there is an incubation time and symptoms start at typically five to 21 (days), so the ability to turn around the test is going to be critical to control monkeypox.”

Sparrow Laboratories – one of the busiest hospital labs in the country – was among the first to perform COVID testing for inpatients when the pandemic began. It has been internationally recognized for the Sparrow Laboratories Drive-Thru Services Site at Frandor, in which hundreds of thousands of COVID tests and vaccines, along with blood draws, have been administered to patients without having to leave their vehicles.

Sparrow Laboratories prides itself on working proactively to protect our patients with leading-edge medicine from highly skilled physicians and caregivers.

For more information on Sparrow Labs, go to Sparrow.org/Labs.

Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier healthcare organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Charlotte, St. Johns, Ionia, and Carson City as well as Physicians Health Plan, Sparrow Care Network, Sparrow Medical Group, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. Sparrow is affiliated with Michigan Medicine through the Sparrow Children’s Center and with Michigan State University’s three human health colleges. Through these partnerships and the dedication of our 10,000 Caregivers, Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and Patient experience. For more information, visit Sparrow.org.; and Paul Entler, D.O., vice president of quality and performance improvement.