CPT® Code 85027

An automated complete blood count (CBC) is a laboratory test that provides a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's overall health. This test measures several key components of the blood, including hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelet count. The CBC serves as a vital screening tool to assess various health conditions and symptoms, such as fatigue, bruising, bleeding, and signs of inflammation. It can also aid in the diagnosis of infections and other medical conditions. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, while hematocrit indicates the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells, typically expressed as a percentage. The RBC count quantifies the number of red blood cells in a specific volume of blood, which is crucial for determining the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. The WBC count measures the number of white blood cells, which play a critical role in the immune response, and can be further analyzed through a differential count that categorizes the five types of white blood cells: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Lastly, the platelet count assesses the number of platelets in the blood, which are essential for blood clotting. The CBC is conducted using an automated blood cell counting instrument, which enhances accuracy and efficiency in obtaining these critical measurements. For cases where a differential WBC count is required, the appropriate code to use is 85025, while 85027 is designated for a CBC without the differential count.