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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.
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin. That means it can dissolve in water. B-12 is needed for red blood cells to form brain and nerve function. It is also needed for making DNA. It is found only in animal-based foods. B-12 helps the body make energy like the other B vitamins.
Vitamin B-12 is closely linked with folic acid (vitamin B-9). Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are needed to make purines and pyrimidines in the body. These are the building blocks of DNA.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency, like folic acid deficiency, causes megaloblastic anemia. This is when the body has abnormally large red blood cells and immature, abnormal white cells. This is also called pernicious anemia. It occurs when the body is unable to absorb dietary vitamin B-12. This is due to not having enough of a protein (intrinsic factor) in the stomach. This issue is often hereditary.
Vitamin B-12 also helps turn homocysteine into methionine in the body. These are types of amino acids. This keeps homocysteine from building up. A high level of homocysteine increases the risk of certain cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin B-12 keeps the protective cover called the myelin sheath around the nerves. Not having enough B-12 can cause nerve damage (neuropathy). This causes numbness and abnormal feelings in the skin. Vitamin B-12 is also a factor in how carbohydrates are used in the body.
The Vitamin B12 and Folate Test measures levels of vitamin B12 and folate in the blood to help identify potential vitamin deficiencies. A B12 deficiency or a folate deficiency may lead to symptoms of fatigue, weakness, or anemia.
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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.
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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