CPT Code 0538T | Description & Clinical Information
CPT 0538T describes the process of cryopreservation, where T lymphocytes obtained from the patient’s blood are frozen and stored in a suitable container for transportation to a laboratory.
Official Description
The CPT book defines CPT code 0538T as: “Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy; preparation of blood-derived T lymphocytes for transportation (eg, cryopreservation, storage)”.
Clinical Information
The procedure described by CPT code 0538T involves mixing T lymphocytes with a cold protective solution to freeze the blood. Subsequently, the blood is placed in a subzero temperature storage container for transport to a laboratory. However, this simple description does not do justice to the complexity and importance of the procedure.
T lymphocytes, also known as T cells, are a critical component of the human immune system. They play a vital role in fighting against infections and cancers. The procedure described by CPT code 0538T involves isolating T cells from the blood of the patient and freezing them in a protective solution. This process needs to be carried out meticulously to ensure the preservation and viability of the T cells.
After the T cells are isolated from the blood, they are mixed with a cold protective solution to prevent any damage to the cell membrane during the freezing process. The mixture is then placed in a subzero temperature storage container that is specifically designed for the transport of biological samples. The container is carefully packed and transported to the laboratory where the T cells undergo further processing and analysis.
The frozen T cells can be thawed and used for various medical purposes, including research studies and immunotherapy treatments. Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that harnesses the power of the human immune system to fight against diseases such as cancer. T cells can be genetically modified to target cancer cells specifically, making them a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer.
The importance of the procedure described by CPT code 0538T cannot be overstated. It is a crucial step in the development of new medical therapies and the advancement of our understanding of the human immune system. The collection, preservation, and transportation of T cells require the expertise of highly skilled technicians and specialized equipment.
In conclusion, while the procedure described by CPT code 0538T may seem straightforward, it is a vital step in the development of new medical therapies and the advancement of our understanding of the human immune system. It involves isolating T cells from the blood, mixing them with a cold protective solution, and freezing them in a subzero temperature storage container for transport to a laboratory. The procedure requires the expertise of skilled technicians and specialized equipment to ensure that the T cells are preserved and viable for use in research studies and immunotherapy treatments.
Return to all the CPT codes for cellular therapy procedures.
