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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.
There’s a critical distinction between total and free testosterone. Total testosterone measures the overall level in the blood. But a tiny portion, about 2-3% in males and 1-2% in females, is what’s called free testosterone, which is unbound and active, ready for the body to use. It’s this free testosterone that really helps us understand someone’s hormone health.
Testosterone is a male sex hormone (androgen) that helps male features develop. Most testosterone is made in the testes (in men) and the ovaries (in women). A small amount is made in the adrenal glands.
Testosterone causes the changes that occur in boys during puberty. It helps hair and muscles grow. It also helps the penis and testes grow. Testosterone also causes a boy’s voice to deepen. Men continue to make testosterone. It boosts sex drive and helps make sperm.
Women’s ovaries also make small amounts of testosterone. It helps many organs and body processes in women. The pituitary gland in the brain controls the amount of testosterone the body makes.
Free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone are also referred to as bioavailable testosterone. This is testosterone that is easily used by the body. Free Testosterone performs most of the functions we associate with testosterone. Because it’s unbound, it can interact with any cell or receptor in the body. Around 80% of the testosterone in the body is bound to SHBG. A smaller amount is bound to albumin, which is considered a weak bond – meaning it can be broken to be utilized.
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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