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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.
The main function of transferrin is to transport the absorbed iron in the intestine to its depots (liver, spleen), reticulocytes, and their precursors in the bone marrow.
Transferrin has two iron-binding sites, each of which binds to an iron ion (Fe3 +). Transferrin can also bind to other metal ions (zinc, cobalt, etc.).
Only 25-40% of the total amount of transferrin in the human body contains iron. With iron deficiency in the body and decreased levels of iron in the blood serum, the transferrin content increases. A change in these rates is one of the most important signs of iron deficiency anemia. Similar changes are observed during pregnancy and childhood, but they are less pronounced. The increase in transferrin concentration in these cases is associated with an increase in its synthesis to meet the increased needs within the body.
Compared to iron in the blood serum, transferrin levels are more stable and less dependent on sex, age, and daily changes.
In red blood cells in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow, iron released from heme is transported to the bone marrow via heme transferrin. The iron part is included in the composition of ferritin and hemosiderin.
One molecule of transferrin binds two iron atoms – Fe3 + ions, and 1 g of transferrin – about 1,25 mg of iron. The calculated value is used in diagnostics – Saturation of transferrin (saturation) with iron, which refers to the ratio of serum iron concentration to the maximum ability (percentage) of iron to bind by transferrin. The standard values of transferrin saturation are – 20-55%. Decreased transfer of iron to saturated transferrin – a decrease in iron concentration and an increase in transferrin concentration indicate anemia due to iron deficiency. A saturation of less than 20% of transferrin is a sign of reduced iron supply to bone marrow erythrocyte precursors. With a significant increase in iron transfer of saturated transferrin in plasma, low-molecular-weight iron occurs, which can accumulate in the liver and pancreas and can cause damage.
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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