CPT® Code 85475

The CPT® Code 85475 refers to a laboratory test known as the Hemolysin, acid test, commonly referred to as the Ham test. This test is specifically designed to evaluate the condition and fragility of red blood cells (RBCs) when exposed to a mild acid solution. The procedure involves the addition of this acid to a blood sample, which allows healthcare professionals to observe how the RBCs respond, particularly in terms of their integrity and stability. The Ham test is particularly significant in diagnosing various blood disorders, both acquired and inherited. One notable condition that may be diagnosed through this test is dyserythropoietic anemia type II. This specific type of anemia is characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis, which leads to anemia and is associated with distinctive morphological abnormalities in the erythrocytes found in the bone marrow. To perform the test, a blood sample is collected, typically through a separately reportable venipuncture, ensuring that the sample is suitable for analysis. Both serum and whole blood are subjected to testing, which utilizes complement lysis techniques alongside visual identification methods to assess the fragility of the red blood cells accurately.