2025 CPT code 86870
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Transfusion Medicine Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
Identifies specific antibodies to red blood cells (RBCs) in patient serum, using various techniques like agglutination or indirect Coombs test.Each panel represents one unit of service.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances.Consult CPT guidelines and payer-specific instructions for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established based on the clinical indication: pre-transfusion compatibility testing, antenatal screening for HDN, or suspicion of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Documentation justifying the clinical suspicion and the need for the test is essential for reimbursement.
Laboratory personnel perform the technical aspects of the test (mixing patient serum with RBC panels, performing indirect Coombs test, and interpreting results), while clinicians order the test based on clinical indications and interpret its significance in patient care.
In simple words: This blood test checks for antibodies that could attack red blood cells. This is important before a blood transfusion to find compatible blood and during pregnancy to prevent harm to the baby. The test involves mixing your blood with special cells to see if there is a reaction.
This test identifies specific antibodies targeting red blood cells (RBCs) present in a patient's serum or plasma. The procedure involves mixing the patient's serum/plasma with a panel of type O RBCs possessing known antigens.Agglutination (clumping) indicates an antibody-antigen reaction. The pattern of agglutination helps identify the specific antibodies.Alternatively, the indirect Coombs test might be employed, where patient serum is incubated with reagent RBCs with known antigens, followed by the addition of anti-human globulin (Coombs reagent) to detect agglutination.This test is crucial before blood transfusions to ensure compatibility and during pregnancy to detect antibodies that could harm the fetus.Each unique panel tested using different techniques or panels is reported separately.
Example 1: A patient scheduled for a blood transfusion undergoes an RBC antibody screen to detect pre-existing antibodies that could trigger a transfusion reaction. A positive result necessitates further testing to identify the specific antibodies and select compatible donor blood., An Rh-negative pregnant woman receives an RBC antibody screen to assess for the presence of Rh antibodies that could potentially cause hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). A negative result may prompt administration of Rh immunoglobulin to prevent antibody formation., A patient with suspected autoimmune hemolytic anemia undergoes this test to detect antibodies against their own RBCs. A positive result aids in confirming the diagnosis and guiding further treatment.
Patient demographics, order details (including clinical indication), complete test results indicating specific antibodies identified, and any unusual observations or discrepancies.
** Payers may reimburse separately for specimen collection (e.g., venipuncture, code 36415).Specific methodologies used in antibody identification (e.g., agglutination, indirect Coombs) are not explicitly coded but should be reflected in the medical record documentation. Always adhere to current CPT coding guidelines and local payer requirements.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: Information not available in source.
- Global Days: Not applicable.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in source.
- Specialties:Blood banking, Hematology, Immunology, Obstetrics, and Transfusion medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Laboratory