2025 CPT code 86985
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Transfusion Medicine Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Splitting of blood or blood products, each unit.
Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations. For example, modifier 59 may be used to indicate a distinct procedural service.
Medical necessity for splitting blood or blood products is determined by the clinical need for a smaller volume or partial unit of blood or blood product than is available in a standard unit.This is common in pediatric patients, patients with specific medical conditions, or in surgical situations where the full volume of a standard unit is not necessary.
The lab analyst performs the technical steps to divide a unit of blood or blood products.
In simple words: A lab technician divides a single unit of blood or blood product into smaller portions and stores them separately. This is often done when a patient only needs a part of a blood unit for a transfusion.
The lab analyst performs the technical steps to divide a unit of blood or blood products, such as platelets, and store the components in separate containers.This service may be performed when a partial unit of blood or blood product is needed for patient transfusion.
Example 1: A premature infant requires a transfusion of a smaller volume of packed red blood cells than a standard adult unit. The lab analyst splits a standard unit of packed red blood cells to provide the appropriate volume for the infant., A patient with thrombocytopenia requires a platelet transfusion. A single unit of platelets is split into two smaller units, one for immediate transfusion and one to be stored for potential later use., A patient undergoing surgery requires a partial unit of fresh frozen plasma.The lab splits a unit of FFP, providing the necessary amount for the surgery while storing the remaining portion.
Documentation should include the original unit number, the number of units created from the split, the volume of each split unit, and the identification of the patient receiving the transfusion.
** It is important to follow proper labeling and storage procedures for split units of blood and blood products to ensure patient safety.
- Revenue Code: T1H
- Specialties:Laboratory, Transfusion Medicine
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient