Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Total carbon dioxide (CO₂) in serum primarily reflects the bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) concentration and serves as an essential component in evaluating acid-base status. It includes dissolved CO₂, bicarbonate, and carbonic acid, though over 95% is in the form of bicarbonate. Total CO₂ is routinely measured as part of basic or comprehensive metabolic panels using enzymatic or indirect ion-selective electrode (ISE) methods on automated chemistry analyzers. It is widely used for metabolic screening. Clinically, low serum CO₂ may suggest metabolic acidosis (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, lactic acidosis), whereas elevated levels are associated with metabolic alkalosis or compensated respiratory acidosis. Interpretation of CO₂ values is most informative when correlated with blood gas results and anion gap to assess the underlying acid-base disorder.
References:
Kraut, J. A., & Madias, N. E. (2017). Serum anion gap: its uses and limitations in clinical medicine. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 12(7), 1178–1184. https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.11461116
Dungan, K. M., & Braithwaite, S. S. (2008). Acid-base disorders in the critically ill: part I. Chest, 133(2), 511–521. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.07-1353
Statement on Medical Necessity
All ordered tests should be medically necessary for the diagnosis or detection of disease, illness, impairment, symptom, syndrome, or disorder and the results should be used in the medical management and treatment decisions for the patient. Solaris requires ICD-10 codes with each order for lab testing and both the tests ordered and the diagnosis should be documented in the provider’s medical record for the patient. The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, takes the position that a provider who orders medically unnecessary tests may be subject to civil penalties.
Panels and Profiles
Solaris offers Providers the convenience of ordering test combinations in a group at times with the flexibility to choose appropriate test(s) for individual patients. Providers should only order those tests that he or she believes are medically necessary for each patient, and a lesser inclusive profile or individual tests should be ordered if not all tests in the test combination/profile are medically necessary. All tests offered in a test combination/profile may be ordered separately as individual tests. Solaris encourages clients to contact their Solaris representative if the testing configurations shown do not meet individual needs for any reason, or if some other combination of procedures is needed.
CPT Codes
CPT Codes listed are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are the responsibility of the billing party and are listed here for informational purposes. Correct coding may vary from one carrier to another. Solaris may bill specific carriers using codes other than what is shown.
For questions or inquiries related to testing please reach out to
customerservice@solarisdx.com or contact us by phone at (844) 550-0308.
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