2025 CPT code 85008
Microscopic examination of a blood smear without a manual differential white blood cell (WBC) count.
Modifiers may be applicable to clarify specific circumstances related to the procedure.
Medical necessity must be established by linking the blood smear examination to the patient's clinical condition.Justification for the procedure should be clearly documented based on signs, symptoms, or abnormal lab results requiring further investigation.
The lab analyst performs the complete procedure, from preparing the blood smear to examining it under the microscope. Clinicians order this test to assess red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet morphology for potential diseases.It is often used as a follow-up when automated complete blood counts (CBCs) show potential abnormalities, like low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
In simple words: A lab technician looks at your blood sample under a microscope to check the shape and appearance of your blood cells. This helps doctors diagnose various blood conditions. It doesn't include a detailed count of your white blood cells.
This code represents a laboratory procedure where a blood sample is smeared onto a slide, stained, and then examined under a microscope to analyze blood cell morphology. It does not include a manual differential WBC count, which involves classifying and counting the different types of white blood cells.
Example 1: A patient presents with fatigue and pallor. An automated CBC shows possible abnormalities in red blood cell morphology. A peripheral blood smear (85008) is ordered to confirm the findings and evaluate for conditions like anemia., A patient undergoing chemotherapy has routine blood work. An automated CBC indicates a drop in platelet count. Code 85008 is used for microscopic examination to assess platelet morphology and severity of thrombocytopenia., A patient with suspected leukemia undergoes a series of blood tests.Following an abnormal automated CBC, a blood smear is examined using 85008 to check for abnormal cell types and confirm the diagnosis.
Documentation should include the reason for the blood smear examination, any relevant clinical findings, and the interpretation of the microscopic examination results.
- Specialties:Hematology, Oncology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pathology
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Outpatient Hospital, Office