CPT® Code 85525

The CPT® Code 85525 refers to the laboratory test known as heparin neutralization. This test is specifically designed to measure the clotting time of a blood sample after the neutralization of heparin, a common anticoagulant used in various medical settings. Heparin neutralization is an important procedure in the context of coagulation studies, particularly when evaluating a prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT). The test is often part of a series of assessments, including PTT, lupus anticoagulant PTT (LA-PTT), and dilute Russell viper venom time (DRVVT), which are ordered sequentially to investigate the underlying causes of abnormal coagulation results. The heparin neutralization test serves multiple purposes: it can help rule out heparin contamination in abnormal coagulation tests such as prothrombin time (PT), PTT, thrombin time (TT), and factor assays. Additionally, it may be utilized to assess liver function in patients who are undergoing heparin therapy. The procedure involves obtaining a blood sample, which can be collected through a separately reportable venipuncture or from a central line. The testing process includes the addition of heparinase, an enzyme that specifically degrades both unfractionated heparin (UF) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), allowing for accurate evaluation of the sample's coagulation properties before and after the neutralization process.