CPT® Code 85397

The CPT® Code 85397 pertains to the evaluation of coagulation and fibrinolysis functional activity, specifically for analytes that are not otherwise specified, such as ADAMTS-13. This procedure involves obtaining a blood sample through a venipuncture, which is a method of drawing blood from a vein. Coagulation refers to the physiological process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot, while fibrinolysis is the process that breaks down fibrin in blood clots, allowing for the restoration of normal blood flow. The balance between these two processes is crucial for maintaining hemostasis, and any disruption can lead to coagulation disorders. ADAMTS-13 is a specific protease that plays a significant role in the regulation of blood clotting. The presence of certain autoantibodies, particularly immunoglobulin G (IgG) against ADAMTS-13, can inhibit its activity, leading to conditions such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a serious blood disorder characterized by the formation of small blood clots throughout the body. The testing for ADAMTS-13 is typically performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which quantitatively measures the functional activity of this protease. Additionally, this code can be used for testing other analytes or proteins involved in coagulation and fibrinolysis, utilizing various assay methods as appropriate. It is important to report code 85397 for each analyte that is tested in the evaluation process.