CPT® Code 85337

The CPT® Code 85337 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure thrombomodulin, which is a glycoprotein found on the surface of endothelial cells. Thrombomodulin plays a critical role in the regulation of blood coagulation by acting as a cofactor for thrombin, which is an enzyme that converts fibrinogen into fibrin, a key component of blood clots. When thrombomodulin binds to thrombin, it facilitates the activation of protein C, leading to the initiation of an important anticoagulant pathway that helps to prevent excessive clotting. Additionally, thrombomodulin has a role in down-regulating thrombin formation, thereby contributing to the control of the coagulation process and limiting the inflammatory response in the body. Elevated levels of thrombomodulin can indicate various pathological conditions, including vascular damage, acute infections, sepsis, and other inflammatory states. The test is performed on a blood sample, which is obtained through a venipuncture procedure that is reported separately. The analysis of thrombomodulin levels is typically conducted using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a common laboratory technique that allows for the sensitive detection and quantification of proteins in biological samples. This test is valuable for clinicians in assessing the coagulation status of patients and understanding the underlying mechanisms of various diseases.