How To Use CPT Code 86885

CPT 86885 describes the indirect antihuman globulin test, also known as the Coombs test, which is performed by a lab analyst to determine the presence of antibodies in patient serum. 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 86885?

CPT 86885 is used to describe the indirect antihuman globulin test, also known as the Coombs test. This test is performed by a lab analyst to detect the presence of antibodies in patient serum. The test involves incubating patient serum with reagent red blood cells (RBCs) containing known antigens. If antibodies are present in the patient serum, they will bind to the antigens on the reagent RBCs, causing them to clump together. Testing one reagent red cell represents a single unit of CPT 86885.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86885 is: ‘Antihuman globulin test (Coombs test); indirect, qualitative, each reagent red cell.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects patient serum and incubates it with reagent red blood cells (RBCs) containing known antigens.
2. If antibodies are present in the patient serum, they will bind to the antigens on the reagent RBCs, causing them to clump together.
3. The lab analyst washes the RBC/serum mixture and adds antihuman globulin, also known as Coombs reagent.
4. The lab analyst monitors the mixture for agglutination, or clumping of RBCs, which indicates the presence of antibodies in the patient serum.
5. Each unique procedure involving testing one reagent red cell is represented by one unit of CPT 86885.

4. Qualifying circumstances

The indirect antihuman globulin test, or Coombs test, may be ordered by clinicians to evaluate donor/recipient compatibility prior to a blood transfusion. It can also be used to screen pregnant patients for Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn, such as RhD. The test is performed by a lab analyst and involves incubating patient serum with reagent RBCs to detect the presence of antibodies.

5. When to use CPT code 86885

CPT code 86885 should be used when the lab analyst performs the indirect antihuman globulin test, or Coombs test, to detect antibodies in patient serum. This code represents each unique procedure involving testing one reagent red cell. It should not be used for other tests, such as RBC antibody screen or RBC antibody identification, which have their own specific codes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86885, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s serum collection
• Incubation of patient serum with reagent RBCs
• Washing of the RBC/serum mixture
• Addition of antihuman globulin (Coombs reagent)
• Monitoring for agglutination (clumping of RBCs)
• Number of units of CPT 86885 performed

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86885, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and involves the indirect antihuman globulin test, or Coombs test. Report one unit of CPT 86885 for each unique procedure involving testing one reagent red cell. Do not use CPT 86885 for other tests, such as RBC antibody screen or RBC antibody identification, which have their own specific codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 86885 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994, with a code change on January 1, 2008. The code has not been updated since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing the indirect antihuman globulin test, or Coombs test, to detect antibodies in patient serum.
2. The test is ordered to evaluate donor/recipient compatibility prior to a blood transfusion.
3. A pregnant patient undergoes the test to screen for Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn.
4. The lab analyst performs the test by incubating patient serum with reagent RBCs and monitoring for agglutination.
5. Multiple units of CPT 86885 are reported for testing multiple reagent red cells.
6. The test is not used for RBC antibody screen or RBC antibody identification, which have their own specific codes.
7. A lab analyst collects patient serum and performs the indirect antihuman globulin test, or Coombs test, to detect antibodies.
8. The test is performed to evaluate donor/recipient compatibility prior to a blood transfusion.
9. A pregnant patient undergoes the test to screen for IgG antibodies that can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn.
10. The lab analyst documents the procedure and reports the appropriate units of CPT 86885.