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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.
Transferrin refers to the blood plasma glycoproteins that carry iron through the blood to the liver spleen and bone marrow. The levels of human transferrin can help in determining the causes of medical conditions like anemia or even the iron-carrying capacity of the blood.
Transferrin has a high affinity to ferric iron; therefore, there is little free iron in the body as transferrin binds all plasma. Transferrin is a blood plasma glycoprotein that plays a central role in iron metabolism and is responsible for ferric-ion delivery. Transferrin functions as the most critical ferric pool in the body. It transports iron through the blood to various tissues, such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. It is an essential biochemical marker of body iron status.
Transferrin is a protein synthesized almost exclusively in the liver and is secreted into the blood. It is the principal transport protein for iron throughout the body and delivers approximately 70% to the bone marrow for incorporation into hemoglobin within RBCs. The remainder is stored in the tissue. One molecule of transferrin binds to two ferric ions, which makes the iron soluble under physiologic conditions, prevents iron-mediated free radical toxicity, and facilitates its transport into cells. Plasma levels of transferrin are regulated primarily by the availability of iron and serve as a direct measure of the iron-binding capacity. In cases of iron deficiency, the transferrin levels rise but the protein is less saturated with iron. Elevated levels of transferrin are also seen during pregnancy and during estrogen administration. In cases of iron overload, such as hemochromatosis, the transferrin concentration may be normal, but the iron saturation will be high. Decreased synthesis of transferrin is seen with chronic liver disease, malnutrition, renal insufficiency, and protein-losing enteropathies. Because it is a negative acute-phase reactant the most common cause of low levels is inflammation or malignancy.
When there is an excess of protein, it indicates the body may be suffering from iron deficiency. High transferrin means the liver is producing more of the protein to use all the iron available in the body. Low transferrin level means the body is absorbing more iron than needed.
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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.
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