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 and B are the two main types of influenza viruses responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks in humans.
Influenza A viruses are highly variable and are categorized into subtypes based on the hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) surface proteins (e.g., H1N1, H3N2). They can infect humans, birds, and other animals, making them a frequent source of global pandemics due to their ability to undergo antigenic shift and drift.
Influenza B viruses are less genetically diverse and are divided into two lineages: B/Yamagata and B/Victoria. They primarily infect humans and are typically associated with seasonal epidemics rather than pandemics. Although generally causing less severe disease, Influenza B can still lead to significant illness and complications, particularly in children and immunocompromised individuals.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing is the gold standard for detecting influenza A and B. PCR tests work by amplifying viral RNA, allowing for highly sensitive and specific detection of the virus, even in the early stages of infection. Multiplex PCR panels can simultaneously test for influenza A, influenza B, and other respiratory pathogens such as RSV and SARS-CoV-2, aiding in rapid and accurate clinical decision-making.
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
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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