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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.
Hematocrit (HCT) is the calculated volume percentage of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood. Hematocrit is also called packed cell volume (PCV) or erythrocyte volume fraction.
Human blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets suspended in a liquid called plasma. The word hematocrit means to separate blood. In a hematocrit test, the red blood cells are separated from the rest of the blood cells and plasma.
Hematocrit is important because red blood cells are essential to survival. They contain a vital protein component called hemoglobin that binds to oxygen, which fuels all the cells in the body.
When red blood cells pass through the lungs, they bind to and transport oxygen to various cells in the body. On their way back to the lungs, they carry carbon dioxide to be exhaled. Hematocrit is a significant measurement as it can identify whether or not there are sufficient red blood cells for oxygen transportation and delivery.
Because the purpose of red blood cells is to transfer oxygen from the lungs to body tissues, a blood sample’s hematocrit—the red blood cell volume percentage – can become a point of reference of its capability of delivering oxygen. Hematocrit levels that are too high or too low can indicate a blood disorder, dehydration, or other medical conditions. An abnormally low hematocrit may suggest anemia, a decrease in the total amount of red blood cells, while an abnormally high hematocrit is called polycythemia. Both are potentially life-threatening disorders.
Normal blood contains white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and the fluid portion called plasma. The word hematocrit means to separate blood. In this test, red blood cells are separated from the rest of the blood so they can be measured.
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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