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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.
A platelet count is a quick, common test that measures how many platelets are in the blood. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are tiny blood cells that bud from cells in the bone marrow (megakaryocytes). Platelets form clots when there’s damage to a blood vessel. Together, they form a “glue” that stops the bleeding. There are tens of thousands of platelets in a single drop of blood.
A platelet count is usually part of a complete blood count. This test measures the number of platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells. The bone marrow makes blood cells.
The purpose of a platelet count test is to assess the blood’s ability or inability to clot. While platelet counts are often included on multi-test panels such as the complete blood count, this test can also be done on its own.
The platelet count may be conducted by a doctor as part of routine blood testing. Platelet counts are also ordered to:
The platelet count is used to diagnose disease and helps determine the cause of excess bleeding or clotting. Both high and low platelet counts can have associated risks that can range from not causing any noticeable health problems to being very serious and life-threatening.
A platelet count test is also used to monitor if the person has been diagnosed with a clotting condition. Regularly conducting a platelet count allows doctors to check the effectiveness of medications that increase or decrease the blood’s ability to form a clot.
A platelet count measures the platelets in a sample of blood with the results reported as a number of platelets per microliter. Measuring a platelet count typically involves analyzing a blood sample using automated laboratory technology. In some cases, automated results need to be confirmed using a peripheral blood smear, a method of manually measuring the number of platelets in a blood sample.
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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