CPT® Code 85370

A laboratory test identified by CPT® Code 85370 is utilized to quantitatively measure the levels of fibrin(ogen) degradation products, also known as fibrin split products (FDP or FSP), present in the blood. These degradation products are fragments that result from the breakdown of fibrin, a protein essential for blood clotting, which occurs when a clot is dissolved by the enzyme plasmin. The presence of FDP (FSP) in the bloodstream is significant as it can indicate various pathological conditions. Elevated levels of these products may be associated with serious medical issues such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), thromboembolic events, acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication), renal failure, sepsis or shock, post-operative status, and even strenuous physical exercise. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable, and the analysis is typically conducted using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, a common laboratory technique for detecting and quantifying proteins in a sample.