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, and Parainfluenza viruses (types 1–4) are significant respiratory pathogens that contribute to seasonal illness, particularly in infants, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Influenza A viruses are highly variable and classified into subtypes (e.g., H1N1, H3N2). They infect both humans and animals and are capable of causing pandemics due to antigenic shift and drift.
Influenza B viruses are limited to humans and circulate in two lineages (B/Victoria and B/Yamagata). They tend to cause seasonal epidemics and can lead to severe illness, especially in children and elderly individuals.
Human Parainfluenza Viruses (HPIV) types 1–4 are a group of viruses that commonly cause respiratory tract infections, especially in children.
HPIV-1 and HPIV-2 are major causes of croup (laryngotracheobronchitis).
HPIV-3 is frequently associated with bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in infants.
HPIV-4, though less well understood, can also cause mild to moderate respiratory illness.
HPIVs circulate seasonally and can reinfect individuals throughout life.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing is the preferred method for detecting these respiratory viruses. It offers high sensitivity and specificity by identifying viral RNA. Multiplex PCR panels can detect Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, and HPIV types 1–4 simultaneously from a single respiratory specimen, helping clinicians differentiate between infections with overlapping symptoms like cough, fever, and congestion. This rapid diagnostic capability is critical for patient management, infection control, and public health response.
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. (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
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, August 2). Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs). https://www.cdc.gov/parainfluenza/index.html
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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