2025 CPT code 86885
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Transfusion Medicine Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Indirect antihuman globulin test (Coombs test), qualitative, each reagent red cell.
Modifiers may be applicable. Modifier 91 is used for repeat testing.Modifier 90 may be used if the test is performed by a reference laboratory.
Medical necessity must be documented. The rationale for performing the test should be clearly stated, such as pre-transfusion testing, prenatal screening, or evaluation of hemolytic anemia.
Performed by a lab analyst or trained medical laboratory professional.The analyst performs the technical aspects of the test, including incubating serum and red blood cells, adding reagents, and interpreting the results.
In simple words: This test checks your blood for antibodies that could attack your red blood cells. It's often used to make sure blood transfusions are safe and to check pregnant women for antibodies that could harm their babies.
This code represents the performance of an indirect antihuman globulin test (also known as the indirect Coombs test) for each reagent red cell. This test is used to detect the presence of antibodies in a patient's serum.The process involves incubating the patient's serum with reagent red blood cells that contain known antigens. If antibodies are present in the serum, they will bind to these antigens.A Coombs reagent (antihuman globulin) is then added. Agglutination (clumping) of the red blood cells indicates a positive result, meaning antibodies are present in the patient's serum.
Example 1: A patient requires a blood transfusion. An indirect Coombs test is performed to check for antibodies in the recipient's serum that may react with donor red blood cells, preventing adverse transfusion reactions. Each donor/recipient pair tested would be reported as a single unit of 86885., A pregnant woman is Rh-negative.An indirect Coombs test is performed to screen for Rh antibodies. The presence of these antibodies could indicate a risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn. Each reagent red cell tested is reported as one unit of 86885., A patient presents with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. An indirect Coombs test is performed to detect antibodies that are attacking the patient's own red blood cells. Each reagent red cell tested is reported separately using 86885.
Medical record should include the reason for the test, the patient's clinical information, and the interpretation of the results by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Specialties:Hematology, Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Hospital Laboratory (Inpatient or Outpatient)