2025 CPT code 88249
Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Cytogenetic Studies Feed
Chromosome analysis for breakage syndromes; score 100 cells, clastogen stress (e.g., diepoxybutane, mitomycin C, ionizing radiation, UV radiation).
Modifiers may be applicable to this code depending on the circumstances of the test. For instance, modifier 91 is used for repeat testing.
Medical necessity for CPT code 88249 is established when there is a clinical suspicion of a chromosome breakage syndrome, a family history of such a syndrome, or known exposure to clastogenic agents. The test results are essential for confirming the diagnosis and guiding appropriate management and treatment strategies.
The laboratory analyst performs the technical aspects of the test, including culturing cells, treating them with clastogens, preparing slides, and scoring the cells for chromosome breaks and abnormalities.
In simple words: This test examines your chromosomes for signs of breakage or instability, which can be a sign of certain genetic disorders. It involves treating your cells with substances that can cause breaks in chromosomes, and then examining 100 of these cells under a microscope to see how they are affected.
This code represents a chromosome analysis specifically designed to detect breakage syndromes. It involves scoring 100 cells for clastogen stress. Clastogens, such as diepoxybutane, mitomycin C, ionizing radiation, and UV radiation, are agents that cause chromosome breakage. By inducing stress with these agents, the test helps identify underlying genetic disorders characterized by chromosome instability, like Fanconi anemia.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of Fanconi anemia, such as bone marrow failure, developmental abnormalities, and increased risk of infections. The physician orders CPT code 88249 to assess chromosome instability and aid in the diagnosis., An individual with a family history of a breakage syndrome undergoes genetic testing. CPT code 88249 is used to evaluate their chromosomes for signs of increased fragility and susceptibility to breakage, even in the absence of overt symptoms., A patient has been exposed to high levels of radiation. Code 88249 is used to assess the extent of chromosome damage induced by the radiation exposure.
Documentation should include the reason for testing (e.g., suspected breakage syndrome, family history, radiation exposure), the type of clastogen used, and the results of the chromosome analysis, including the number of cells scored and the presence or absence of chromosome breaks and rearrangements.
- Specialties:Genetics, Hematology, Oncology
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Hospital Outpatient