CPT® Code 85347

The CPT® Code 85347 refers to the activated coagulation time (ACT) test, which is a laboratory procedure designed to measure the time it takes for blood to clot. This test is crucial in evaluating the coagulation process, particularly in situations where anticoagulation therapy is being administered. The ACT specifically assesses the intrinsic pathway of coagulation, which is activated by substances such as kaolin, celite, or diatomaceous earth. The measurement of coagulation time is expressed in minutes and provides valuable information regarding platelet function and the overall clotting ability of the blood. The ACT test is particularly important in clinical settings that require close monitoring of anticoagulation levels, such as during cardiac bypass surgery, angioplasty, extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), thrombolysis, and dialysis. While the manual method of performing the ACT test is still utilized when necessary, it has largely been supplanted by automated systems that can rapidly analyze multiple clotting assays from a single blood sample, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in laboratory diagnostics.