2025 CPT code 86357
Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Immunology Procedures Feed
Natural killer (NK) cells, total count.
Modifiers may be applicable to specify details of the service, such as 59 (Distinct Procedural Service) or others as appropriate.
Medical necessity for this test is determined by the patient's clinical presentation and the suspicion of an underlying condition affecting NK cell function, such as immunodeficiency, autoimmune disease, or cancer.
The lab analyst performs the technical steps to test the patient’s blood for natural killer cells using an immunoassay method. This involves mixing the specimen with test antigens, incubating the mixture, adding a marker to detect the antigen-antibody complex, and interpreting the results.
In simple words: This test measures the number of natural killer (NK) cells in your blood. NK cells are part of your immune system and help protect you from infections and cancer.
This code represents a laboratory test to determine the total count of Natural Killer (NK) cells in a patient's blood sample. NK cells are a type of lymphocyte that plays a crucial role in the innate immune system's response to viral infections and tumor cells.
Example 1: A patient with recurrent viral infections has a decreased NK cell count, helping to explain their susceptibility., Monitoring the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy by tracking changes in the patient's NK cell count., A patient with suspected immunodeficiency undergoes NK cell testing as part of a comprehensive immunological evaluation.
The documentation should include the patient's medical history, reason for the test, the date and time of specimen collection, and the interpretation of the test results.
** NK cells are a vital part of the body's defense against infections and cancer. They can kill infected or cancerous cells without prior sensitization. This test is important for diagnosing and managing immune system disorders.
- Revenue Code: T1H
- Specialties:Immunology, Hematology, Oncology, Infectious Disease
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Hospital Outpatient, Office