CPT® Code 85097

The CPT® Code 85097 refers to the procedure of bone marrow smear interpretation, which is a critical laboratory test conducted by a physician or technician. This test involves the examination and interpretation of a bone marrow smear, which is a sample of bone marrow tissue that is spread thinly on a glass slide and stained for microscopic analysis. Bone marrow is a spongy tissue located within the bones, rich in hematopoietic stem cells responsible for the production of various blood components, including red blood cells (RBCs or erythrocytes), white blood cells (WBCs or leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). In addition to these blood cells, bone marrow contains essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, folate, and fat, which are vital for hematopoiesis—the process of blood cell formation. During the procedure, a bone marrow aspirate, core, or clot sample is obtained and prepared for analysis. The smear is then subjected to staining techniques that allow for the visualization of cellular components under a microscope. The interpretation of the smear includes a detailed assessment of the size, shape, and appearance of the cells, as well as the determination of the myeloid to erythroid ratio, which provides insight into the relative production of different blood cell types. Additionally, a differential count and maturation level of the total WBCs, RBCs, and platelets are evaluated. The presence of abnormal cells is noted, and the overall cellularity and structure of the marrow are reported if they are observable in the sample. Bone marrow smear interpretation is essential for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring various hematological conditions, including leukemia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, myelodysplastic syndromes, lymphoma, myeloma, and other malignancies. It is important to note that the collection of the bone marrow sample is a separate procedure that must be reported independently, and the smear analysis is performed using specialized staining techniques and microscopic examination to ensure accurate results.