Covid-19
FLUA/Flu B
RSV
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.
Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV, and COVID-19 are major respiratory viruses that contribute to seasonal outbreaks and significant healthcare burden, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
Influenza A viruses are classified into subtypes (e.g., H1N1, H3N2) based on surface proteins and are responsible for most flu pandemics. They infect both humans and animals and mutate rapidly, making annual vaccination necessary.
Influenza B viruses circulate only in humans and are divided into two lineages: B/Victoria and B/Yamagata. They tend to cause milder epidemics but can still result in hospitalization, especially in children and older adults.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and can cause severe illness in older adults and those with heart or lung conditions. RSV season typically overlaps with influenza season.
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, emerged in late 2019 and has caused a global pandemic. It spreads via respiratory droplets and can range from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia, ARDS, and death. Variants continue to emerge, requiring ongoing surveillance and updated vaccines.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing is the gold standard for detecting these respiratory viruses. It is highly sensitive and specific, capable of identifying viral RNA even in early infection. Multiplex PCR assays allow simultaneous detection of influenza A, influenza B, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2, enabling clinicians to differentiate among pathogens with similar clinical symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, fatigue) and make informed decisions regarding isolation, treatment, and public health interventions.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 18). Types of influenza viruses. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, September 15). Information on rapid molecular assays, RT-PCR, and other molecular assays for diagnosis of influenza virus infection. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/diagnosis/molecular-assays.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, January 12). Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV). https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, June 10). About COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/about-covid-19.html
World Health Organization. (2023). Influenza (seasonal). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)
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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