How To Use CPT Code 88140

CPT 88140 describes the analysis of a peripheral blood smear to identify sex chromatin, specifically polymorphonuclear drumsticks. 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 88140?

CPT 88140 can be used to describe the analysis of a peripheral blood smear to identify sex chromatin, specifically polymorphonuclear drumsticks. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical steps to examine the nucleus of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in a peripheral blood smear to detect drumsticks, which indicate the presence of female sex chromatin.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88140 is: ‘Sex chromatin identification; peripheral blood smear, polymorphonuclear drumsticks.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst prepares a peripheral blood smear by spreading a thin layer of blood on a slide.
2. The analyst examines the nucleus of polymorphonuclear leukocytes under a microscope to detect drumsticks.
3. Stains may be used to aid in the identification of white blood cells and the visualization of the nucleus.
4. A drumstick appearance, characterized by a clumping of chromatin on the side of the nucleus, indicates the presence of female sex chromatin.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88140 is typically ordered by clinicians to quickly identify the sex of a patient. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition. The analysis of a peripheral blood smear for sex chromatin identification is performed by a lab analyst.

5. When to use CPT code 88140

CPT code 88140 should be used when a lab analyst performs the analysis of a peripheral blood smear to identify sex chromatin, specifically polymorphonuclear drumsticks. It is important to note that this code is not used for the identification of Barr bodies, which requires a different CPT code (88130).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88140, the documentation should include:

• Indication for the test
• Results of the analysis, specifically the presence or absence of polymorphonuclear drumsticks
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88140, ensure that the analysis of the peripheral blood smear for sex chromatin identification is performed by a lab analyst. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the blood specimen using a different code, such as 36415 (Collection of venous blood by venipuncture).

8. Historical information

CPT 88140 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 examining a peripheral blood smear and identifying polymorphonuclear drumsticks, indicating the presence of female sex chromatin.
2. A clinician ordering CPT 88140 to quickly determine the sex of a patient based on the analysis of a peripheral blood smear.
3. A lab analyst using stains to aid in the identification of white blood cells and the visualization of the nucleus during the analysis of a peripheral blood smear for sex chromatin identification.
4. A peripheral blood smear showing the presence of polymorphonuclear drumsticks, confirming the presence of female sex chromatin.
5. A lab analyst documenting the results of the analysis, specifically noting the absence of polymorphonuclear drumsticks, indicating the absence of female sex chromatin.
6. A clinician ordering CPT 88140 to rule out the presence of female sex chromatin in a patient.
7. A lab analyst performing the analysis of a peripheral blood smear for sex chromatin identification and providing a signed report of the results.
8. A peripheral blood smear showing the absence of polymorphonuclear drumsticks, indicating the absence of female sex chromatin.
9. A clinician ordering CPT 88140 to confirm the presence of female sex chromatin in a patient.
10. A lab analyst using a microscope to examine the nucleus of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and detect drumsticks during the analysis of a peripheral blood smear.