Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 testing in SNFs
Answers to your frequently asked questions about COVID-19 testing
How do I schedule a LifeScan technician for swabbing at our facility?
Send an email to your account representative and/or covid@lifescan.com with the details of what you would like to schedule. We require 3-7 days to schedule accordingly. If you are not a current Lifescan client, please email info@lifescanlab.com and an account manager for your region will respond to assist with all setup needs.
What is the proper protocol for collecting COVID-19 samples?
- Remove swab from package and proceed with swabbing.
- Place the swab in the vial and break off at indentation. DO NOT swish, swab and throw away. Please keep the swab in the vial to ensure accurate testing.
- Affix appropriate barcode label and verify patient information.
- Place the vial in the prepared biohazard bag and place it in the provided cooler.
- If barcode label not available, please complete a test requisition form.
- Please review information for spelling and identity accuracy.
What is the proper protocol for shipping the samples back to the lab?
For Shipping
- Pack the provided cooler with the provided ice packs.
- Complete ‘Date Collected’ form.
- Affix the provided FedEx priority overnight shipping label on the box.
- Affix the UN3373 biohazard shipping label (if not already done).
- Arrange for a FedEx Pick up/Drop off the box at a local FedEx location (must be able to take hazardous goods, prefer scheduling a pickup to your site)
- DO NOT use third party FedEx locations, such as 7/11, Walgreens, etc.
For Courier Pickups*
- Call Lifescan 847-663-8300 press 1, you will receive a confirmation number
- Provide time ready and location of cooler
- Pack the provided cooler with the provided ice packs.
- Complete ‘Date Collected’ form.
- Affix the provided FedEx priority overnight shipping label on the box.
- Affix the UN3373 biohazard shipping label (if not already done).
*Where available
How do I order testing supplies?
You may order supplies by:
- Contacting your account representative directly.
- Email LifeScan at: supplies@lifescanlab.com
This email is directed to our shipping dept. Please copy your account manager on ALL emails so they can follow-up on orders placed and allow 48-72 hours for receipt. If urgent need, please call Lifescan at 847-663-8300 press 1, or contact your Account Manager
What kind of swabs are you currently using?
We supply flocked swabs, which can be used for Anterior Nares or Nasopharyngeal.
Do you require requisition forms?
If your facility provides our lab with a staff/resident roster, we will produce barcode labels for individuals so that you don’t need requisition forms. Labels help reduce potential errors and expedites results processing.
Last minute facility staff/resident/guest testing will require requisition forms, completed in full, to properly accommodate their testing needs. This can be completed on the Lifescan Lifepoint portal.
If we have to fill out a requisition, what information is required?
Last name, first name, date of birth, SSN, gender, insurance/billing information.
How do we use Lifepoint, to access our login, or request training?
Your account manager will be able to assist you with all Lifepoint concerns and will involve our IT team if needed.
Do we need to refrigerate the specimen?
If possible, yes. Lifescan provides coolers and cold packs for storage until pick-up. Samples are stable for one day at room temperature and 3 days refrigerated. Our lab can provide same day or next morning pick-up (after a late night collection) for sample stability.
Who will pick up the specimen?
In many locations, Lifescan has a network of couriers who are dispatched daily for scheduled pick-ups. Express shipments are also available.
Facility staff members can also deliver specimens to the lab. Please alert your account manager.
What is the results turnaround time?
You’ll receive your results 24-48 hours after the samples arrive at the lab. Invalid samples require repeating range in 48-72 hours.
How are results obtained for residents? And for staff?
Resident results are electronically uploaded to Lifescan’s resulting portals & Patient Care Component.
Staff results are available through the Lifescan web portal using a unique sign-on for privacy purposes.
Integration must be granted by the facility in order for us to upload result to the Patient Care Component.
Lifescan is fully integrated with Point Click Care (PCC), and SNF resident results will upload to the patient chart automatically. Lifescan can also integrate with other EMR systems.
Who will be informed of positive cases?
We will inform your point of contact at each facility. Please specify your point of contact and their telephone and email when scheduling a test date.
We require an after hours point of contact person as well. We document all positive case calls with date/time and person spoken to. In addition, we automatically report this to the applicable health department.
What is the billing process for residents?
We will initially bill the resident’s insurance. For Medicare Part A billing, our team follows the contracted terms.
What is the billing process for employees?
We will be billing the employee’s insurance. With the data collected, we can locate the insurance information for each employee and bill it appropriately.
Who should questions pertaining to results be directed to?
Questions should be directed to your facility account representative. Additionally, we have a team assigned specifically for Covid-19 inquiries: covid@lifescanlab.com. A Lab Manager/Director is on call every week, after hours, and weekends.
COVID-19 testing in Schools
Answers to your frequently asked questions about COVID-19 testing
What is needed prior to testing?
- A signed contract with the lab
- School information form completed
- Release forms from parents
- Completed registration forms with student/staff information
What is the cost for our school?
Private Insurance and other government programs will be billed. In the event the claim is denied, the school will be responsible at the negotiated price.
How much advance notice is needed to schedule testing?
7-14 days
What is the results turnaround time?
24-72 hours upon arrival of the sample to the lab. Most results average 24-48 hours. Invalid samples requiring repeating range in 48-72 hours.
How are results obtained?
Your account representative will provide you with unique portal access information for your school. Upon request, we can create additional sub-users for the portal to have additional viewers on the results.
Who will do the swabbing?
Lifescan provides professional swabbers to collect the samples. If there aren’t any swabbers available on your testing dates, Lifescan can provide training for your school nurse/staff.
What is the process of ordering supplies for testing?
You may order supplies by
- Contacting your account representative directly
- Email Lifescan’s new group email: supplies@lifescanlab.com
This email is directed to our shipping dept. Please copy your account representative on ALL emails so they can follow-up on orders placed.
What kind of swabs are you currently using?
We are supplying flocked swabs which can be used for Anterior Nares or Nasopharyngeal.
Are requisition forms required?
If facilities provide our lab with staff/student rosters, the lab will produce barcoded labels for individuals, avoiding requisition forms. Labels are a preferred method as it avoids potential errors and expedites results processing.
Last minute facility staff/student/guest testing will require requisition forms, completed in full, to properly accommodate their testing needs.
Do they need to refrigerate the specimen?
If available, yes. Lifescan provides coolers and cold packs for storage until pick-up. Samples are stable for 3 days at room temperature, or 5 days refrigerated. Our lab can provide same day or next morning pick-up (if late night collection) for sample stability.
Who will pick up the specimen?
Lifescan has a network of couriers who are dispatched daily for scheduled pick-ups.
Express shipments are also available.
Who will be informed of positive cases?
The lab will inform the point of contact provided by each school. The school will provide a designated point of contact (IE school nurse) for receiving positive results.
Who should questions pertaining to results be directed to?
Questions should be directed to your account representative. Additionally, we have a team assigned specifically for Covid-19 inquiries: covid@lifescanlab.com. A Lab Manager/Director is on call every week, after hours, and weekends.