CPT® Code 85345

The CPT® Code 85345 refers to a laboratory test known as the Lee and White coagulation time test. This test is specifically designed to measure the duration it takes for a blood sample to clot, which is a critical aspect of assessing hemostasis and platelet function. The procedure involves the use of three test tubes, each containing a sample of the patient's whole blood. The coagulation time is determined by human observation, where a stopwatch is utilized to time the clot formation in each of the tubes. The average time taken for clot formation across the three tubes is calculated to provide a single coagulation time value. It is important to note that while this test can provide valuable information regarding coagulation, it is considered nonspecific and less accurate compared to more modern automated coagulation tests, such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). As a result, the Lee and White test has largely been supplanted by these more precise methods in clinical practice.