Genesis Reference Laboratories

Genesis Reference Laboratories Accredited Full-Service Laboratory serving patients and physicians with timely and accurate diagnostics. (844)232-7130

Overdose deaths in adults age 65 and older from fentanyl mixed with stimulants, such as co***ne and methamphetamines, ha...
01/26/2026

Overdose deaths in adults age 65 and older from fentanyl mixed with stimulants, such as co***ne and methamphetamines, have surged 9,000% in the past eight years, matching rates found among younger adults, according to research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 annual meeting.

The study is among the first to use Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data to show that older adults, a group often overlooked in overdose research, are part of the broader rise in fentanyl-stimulant overdose deaths.

Adults 65 years and older are especially vulnerable to overdoses because many live with chronic health conditions, take several medications and process drugs more slowly due to age.

The opioid epidemic has unfolded in four waves, each characterized by a different type of opioid driving the increase in overdose deaths: prescription opioids in the 1990s; he**in starting in 2010; fentanyl starting in 2013; and a mix of fentanyl and stimulants starting in 2015.

“A common misconception is that opioid overdoses primarily affect younger people,” said Gab Pasia, M.A., lead author of the study and a medical student at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “Our analysis shows that older adults are also impacted by fentanyl-related deaths and that stimulant involvement has become much more common in this group. This suggests older adults are affected by the current fourth wave of the opioid crisis, following similar patterns seen in younger populations.”

To access this American Society of Anesthesiologists news release, please see https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2025/10/adults-65-years-and-older-not-immune-to-the-opioid-epidemic

To learn more about how Genesis Reference Laboratories can provide urine and oral fluid toxicology testing to aid in medication monitoring and detection of substance use, please call: (844) 510-0194.⁠










The Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance, 2024 (Provisional) provides the latest national data on trends for thr...
01/23/2026

The Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance, 2024 (Provisional) provides the latest national data on trends for three nationally notifiable sexually transmitted infections (STIs): chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, including congenital syphilis.

This data supports that the overall U.S. STI burden remains substantial, but signs of progress continue in comparison to previous years.

In 2024, the combined total number of cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis declined 9% from 2023, down a third consecutive year. There were still more than 2.2 million reported STIs in 2024, and compared to a decade ago, overall cases are 13% higher; congenital syphilis is nearly 700% higher. Other key findings:

● Chlamydia cases declined for the second year in a row, down 8% since 2023.
● Gonorrhea cases declined for the third year in a row, down 10% since 2023.
● Congenital syphilis increased for the 12th year in a row, with nearly 4,000 reported cases in 2024. Primary and secondary syphilis cases declined for the second year in row, down 22% since 2023.

While the STI epidemic touches nearly every community, some geographic areas and populations may experience increases or decreases not reflected by the newest 2024 national data.

To access this original CDC topic, please see https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/annual/index.html

To learn more about Genesis Reference Labs’ molecular testing offerings which include using PCR technology to identify sexually transmitted infections, including the pathogens that cause chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and more, please call: (844) 510-0194.










"Walking pneumonia" is a non-medical term for a mild case of pneumonia. A more medically correct term would be atypical ...
01/21/2026

"Walking pneumonia" is a non-medical term for a mild case of pneumonia. A more medically correct term would be atypical pneumonia and can be caused by certain molds, viruses or bacteria; often a common bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Bed rest or hospitalization are usually not needed, and symptoms can be mild enough that you can continue your daily activities, hence the term "walking."

But don't be fooled. Walking pneumonia can still be miserable and is commonly accompanied by a cough, fever, chest pain, mild chills, headache, etc. It feels more akin to a bad cold, and despite what the term "walking" implies, taking care of yourself is the best path to recovery.

"If you have pneumonia symptoms, even if they are mild, you should discuss with your healthcare provider as soon as possible," says Dr. Albert Rizzo, American Lung Association’s Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Rizzo notes that walking pneumonia is treatable with antibiotics to help you recover more quickly if your doctor believes bacteria to be the cause. Over-the-counter medications can also be used to relieve symptoms, such as antihistamines for nasal congestion or cough medications to help ease cough and loosen any mucus (sputum). "In addition, it's important to get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids and take fever-reducing medicine if you have a fever," he adds. Not everyone can take the same over-the-counter medications, so it is important to come up with a treatment plan with your healthcare provider’s input.

To access this original American Lung Association webpage, see https://www.lung.org/blog/what-is-walking-pneumonia

To learn more about Genesis Reference Labs’ molecular testing offerings which include using PCR technology to identify Mycoplasma pneumoniae and other respiratory pathogens, please call: (844) 510-0194.










A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, hi...
01/19/2026

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, highlights a dramatic increase in a dangerous type of drug-resistant bacteria called NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (NDM-CRE).

Pathogens containing the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) and other metallo-β-lactamases affect infection treatment options as there are fewer agents effective in treating infections with these drug resistant characteristics.

In a 2022 special report, COVID-19: U.S. Impact on Antimicrobial Resistance, CDC noted that in 2020 there were approximately 12,700 infections and 1,100 deaths in the U.S. due to CRE. The rise in NDM-CRE, documented in the new study, threatens to increase CRE infections and deaths.

These infections —including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, and wound infections—are extremely hard to treat and can be deadly. Detection is also challenging, as many clinical laboratories lack the necessary testing capacity. Between 2019 and 2023, NDM-CRE infections surged by more than 460% in the United States.

To access this original CDC webpage please see https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/2025-cdc-report-finds-sharp-rise-in-dangerous-drug-resistant-bacteria.html

To learn more about Genesis Reference Labs’ molecular testing offerings which include using PCR technology to identify many common pathogens including Enterbacterales and common antibiotic resistance genes, including NDM resistance, please call: (844) 510-0194.










The intentional or unintentional use of more than one substance within a short period of time is referred to as polysubs...
01/16/2026

The intentional or unintentional use of more than one substance within a short period of time is referred to as polysubstance use. Those who practice polysubstance use intentionally may do so to:

● Modify or enhance the effects of a single substance.
● Compensate for weakened effects of one substance.
● Prevent alcohol and op**te withdrawal symptoms.
● Attempt to alleviate some of the stresses related to previous trauma, life circumstances, and/or health issues.
● Replace their preferred drug of choice when it’s unavailable.

Unfortunately, polysubstance use isn’t rare, as those who use one substance often use another. In previous years, 90% of people with an opioid use disorder used more than 2 other substances within the last year, and more than 25% of these individuals had at least two other substance use disorders.

Despite its prevalence, polysubstance use is never safe. Even when prescription drugs are used in combination or with other substances, the effects of drug mixing can be unpredictable, stronger than either drug alone, and/or deadly.

Mixing two respiratory depressants such as alcohol and opioids (e.g., hydrocodone, oxycodone, etc.) is particularly dangerous. In fact, black-box warnings on prescription opioid labels advise against mixing these substances with alcohol, as doing so can produce severe respiratory depression, sedation, and heightened risk of overdose.

Combining alcohol with substances such as opioids also increases the risk of overdose toxicity and multiple other adverse health outcomes such as: over-sedation, impaired motor control, bodily injury, violence, risky sexual behavior, respiratory arrest, anoxic brain injury and other organ damage, alcohol and other substance use disorders, and fatal overdose.

To access this original American Addiction Centers webpage and learn more about the dangers of polysubstance use, please visit https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/mixing-opioids

To learn more about how Genesis Reference Laboratories can provide toxicology testing to aid in medication monitoring and detection of substance use, including alcohol, please call: (844) 510-0194.⁠










Respiratory illnesses are commonly viral or bacterial. Some common viral respiratory illnesses include flu, COVID-19, RS...
01/14/2026

Respiratory illnesses are commonly viral or bacterial. Some common viral respiratory illnesses include flu, COVID-19, RSV, adenovirus, rhinovirus/enterovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus B19. Important bacterial respiratory illnesses include pneumococcal disease or infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Respiratory viruses may affect both the upper respiratory tract (the vocal cords and above) and the lower respiratory tract (below the vocal cords). Some viruses that affect the nose and throat can progress to cause serious lung infections, such as pneumonia.

Even healthy people can get very sick from respiratory illnesses. In fact, last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that at least 1 million people were hospitalized and more than 70,000 people died from respiratory viral illnesses. Some people have risk factors that can increase their chances of getting very sick (severe illness). Those at higher risk of severe illness include:

Age: Adults who are 65 years and older and children younger than 2 years old are usually at higher risk for getting very sick from respiratory illnesses.

Underlying conditions: Having medical conditions (for example, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease), a weakened immune system, disability, and/or being pregnant are conditions that might increase your risk.

To access this original CDC topic on the respiratory illnesses, please see https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/about/index.html

To learn more about Genesis Reference Labs’ molecular testing offerings which include using PCR technology to identify COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and other important respiratory pathogens, please call: (844) 510-0194.










We’re proud to start the year by recognizing our team members celebrating work anniversaries in January! Your continued ...
01/12/2026

We’re proud to start the year by recognizing our team members celebrating work anniversaries in January! Your continued commitment, professionalism, and dedication help drive our mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day. Thank you for growing with us—we’re grateful to have you on the Genesis Reference Labs team!

👏 Join us in celebrating these important milestones! 👏

A tranquilizer called xylazine, a non-opioid sedative, is continuing to be found in the US illegal drug supply and linke...
01/09/2026

A tranquilizer called xylazine, a non-opioid sedative, is continuing to be found in the US illegal drug supply and linked to overdose deaths. Xylazine—which is not approved for use in people and can slow down the brain and breathing, make the heart beat slower, and lower blood pressure in people, is especially dangerous when combined with opioids like fentanyl.

Due to its impact on the opioid crisis, fentanyl mixed (adulterated) with xylazine was declared an emerging threat by the White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy. On July 11, 2023, the White House released a National Response Plan to address the emerging threat of fentanyl mixed with xylazine.

If an overdose involving xylazine is suspected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of Naloxone. Naloxone should be given in response to any suspected drug overdose to reverse any possible opioid effects. Naloxone will not reverse the effects of xylazine. However, because xylazine is often used with opioids like fentanyl, naloxone should still be given. It's important to call 911 for additional medical treatment, especially since the effects of xylazine may continue after naloxone is given.

To access this original CDC webpage and learn more about xylazine, xylazine use, and overdoses involving xylazine, please see https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/what-you-should-know-about-xylazine.html

To learn more about how Genesis Reference Laboratories can provide toxicology testing to aid in medication monitoring and detection of substance use, including xylazine, please call: (844) 510-0194.⁠










The teen years are a time of growth, exploration, and risk-taking. Some risk-taking may foster identity development and ...
01/07/2026

The teen years are a time of growth, exploration, and risk-taking. Some risk-taking may foster identity development and independence (e.g., running for student council, asking someone out on a date). However, some risk behaviors—such as using cannabis—can have adverse effects on a teen's health and well-being.

In 2022, 30.7% of US high school 12th graders reported using cannabis in the past year, and 6.3% reported using cannabis daily in the past 30 days. Past-year va**ng of cannabis declined from 2020 to 2021 and remained steady in 2022 following large increases in 2018 and 2019. However, many middle and high school students still reported past-year cannabis va**ng in 2022—6% of eighth graders, 15% of 10th graders, and 21% of 12th graders.

Compared with teens who do not use cannabis, teens who use cannabis are more likely to quit high school or not get a college degree.

The teen brain is actively developing and continues to develop until around age 25. Cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood may harm the developing brain.

To access this original CDC content and learn more about the impact of cannabis and teens, please see: https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/cannabis-and-teens.html

To learn more about how Genesis Reference Laboratories can provide urine and oral fluid testing to aid in medication monitoring and detection of substance use, including the detection of THC and CBD, please call: (844) 510-0194.⁠










We’re kicking off the new year by celebrating our team members with January birthdays! Your hard work, dedication, and p...
01/05/2026

We’re kicking off the new year by celebrating our team members with January birthdays! Your hard work, dedication, and positive spirit help set the tone for a successful year ahead. Wishing you all a happy birthday and an amazing year filled with health, growth, and success!

🎈 Help us celebrate our January birthday stars! 🎈

Did You Know?In 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized more than 60 million fentanyl-laced fake pills an...
01/02/2026

Did You Know?

In 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized more than 60 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 8,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. The 2024 seizures are equivalent to more than 380 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

In 2025 fentanyl seizures already represent over 262 million deadly doses.
The DEA created the One Pill Can Kill campaign to help raise public awareness of a significant nationwide surge in counterfeit pills that are mass-produced in labs, deceptively marketed as legitimate, and are killing Americans at an unprecedented rate.

Visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill for resources for everyone, including teens, parents, educators and seniors, to better understand the threat of fake pills and fentanyl.










Newborn syphilis is a deadly but preventable consequence of the nation's ongoing sexually transmitted infections (STI) e...
12/31/2025

Newborn syphilis is a deadly but preventable consequence of the nation's ongoing sexually transmitted infections (STI) epidemic.

New provisional CDC data show U.S. cases of newborn syphilis increased for the 12th consecutive year in 2024, with nearly 4,000 cases reported. In 2024, cases of newborn syphilis were:

● Up nearly 2% over 2023, notably lower than double-digit increases that occurred in some recent years.
● Up nearly 700% since 2015, when just 495 cases were reported.

The overall STI burden in the United States remains substantial, with more than 2.2 million cases reported in 2024, a 13% increase since 2015, according to these provisional data.

To access this original CDC webpage please see https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/2025-cdc-reports-latest-national-data-on-syphilis-in-newborns-and-sexually-transmitted-infections-stis.html

To learn more about Genesis Reference Labs’ molecular testing offerings which include using PCR technology to identify sexually transmitted infections, including the pathogen that causes syphilis, Treponema pallidum, please call: (844) 510-0194.










Address

7924 Forest City Road #210
Orlando, FL
32810

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Genesis Reference Laboratories posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Genesis Reference Laboratories:

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category