CPT® Code 85360

The CPT® Code 85360 refers to the laboratory test known as euglobulin lysis, which is specifically designed to measure the euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT). This test evaluates the fibrinolytic activity present in plasma, providing a comprehensive assessment of the fibrin clotting system. It is particularly useful for monitoring patients who are undergoing treatment with streptokinase, a medication that helps dissolve blood clots. The procedure begins with the collection of a blood sample through a venipuncture, which is a separate reportable procedure. To prevent clotting, the whole blood sample is treated with trisodium citrate, an anticoagulant, and is subsequently chilled to maintain its integrity. The process involves centrifugation to separate the plasma, which is then diluted with acetic acid and incubated on ice for a specified duration. This incubation allows for the formation of a precipitate, known as the euglobulin fraction of plasma, which contains critical components such as plasminogen, plasminogen activators (t-PA), and fibrinogen. Following this, the sample undergoes a second centrifugation to collect the precipitate, which is then dissolved in a buffer solution. The final step involves clotting the sample with thrombin and monitoring for clot lysis at 15-minute intervals. It is essential to include a control sample alongside the patient sample to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results.