How To Use CPT Code 86384

CPT 86384 describes the nitroblue tetrazolium dye test (NTD), a blood test used to assess the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 86384?

CPT 86384 can be used to describe the nitroblue tetrazolium dye test (NTD), a blood test performed by a lab analyst. This test involves adding nitroblue tetrazolium dye to a fresh blood sample and monitoring the mixture for a color change to a dark blue/black. The test is based on the principle that a blood sample with a specific range of segmented neutrophils, which are abnormal neutrophils, will reduce the dye and cause the color change.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86384 is: ‘Nitroblue tetrazolium dye test (NTD).’

3. Procedure

1. A lab analyst adds nitroblue tetrazolium dye to a fresh blood sample.
2. The analyst monitors the mixture for a color change to a dark blue/black.
3. If the color change occurs, it indicates the presence of a specific range of segmented neutrophils, which are abnormal neutrophils.
4. The test helps diagnose chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an inherited disorder characterized by a hyper-segmented defect in neutrophils, resulting in an inability to fight infection.
5. Clinicians rarely order this test now, as more accurate and specific tests are available to diagnose CGD.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86384 may be ordered by clinicians to help diagnose chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an inherited disorder involving a hyper-segmented defect in neutrophils. This test is not limited to testing for CGD and can be used to assess the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye in other circumstances.

5. When to use CPT code 86384

CPT code 86384 should be used when a clinician orders the nitroblue tetrazolium dye test (NTD) to assess the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye in a blood sample. This test may be ordered to help diagnose chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) or in other situations where the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye needs to be evaluated.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86384, the clinician must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the nitroblue tetrazolium dye test (NTD)
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, including any color change observed
• Any additional relevant information or findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86384, ensure that the nitroblue tetrazolium dye test (NTD) is performed by a lab analyst. This code should be reported for the technical component of the test. If the specimen collection is performed separately, it may be reported with a code such as 36415 for venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT 86384 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs the nitroblue tetrazolium dye test (NTD) on a blood sample to assess the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye.
2. A clinician orders the NTD to help diagnose chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) in a patient with recurrent infections.
3. The NTD is performed to evaluate the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye in a blood sample from a patient with suspected neutrophil dysfunction.
4. A lab analyst monitors the nitroblue tetrazolium dye and observes a color change to a dark blue/black, indicating the presence of abnormal neutrophils.
5. A clinician orders the NTD as part of a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s immune system function.
6. The NTD is performed to assess the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye in a blood sample from a patient with unexplained symptoms of infection.
7. A lab analyst performs the NTD to confirm a suspected diagnosis of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) in a patient with a family history of the condition.
8. A clinician orders the NTD to evaluate the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye in a blood sample from a patient with suspected neutrophil abnormalities.
9. The NTD is performed as part of a research study investigating the role of neutrophil dysfunction in a specific disease.
10. A lab analyst performs the NTD to assess the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye in a blood sample from a patient with recurrent infections and a suspected immune system disorder.