CPT® Code 85670

The CPT® Code 85670 refers to the thrombin time test, specifically measuring the plasma thrombin time. This laboratory test evaluates the time it takes for a blood sample to clot when mixed with thrombin, a protein that plays a crucial role in the coagulation process. The thrombin time test, also known as thrombin clotting time (TCT), is essential for diagnosing various conditions related to fibrinogen, a key protein involved in blood clot formation. Fibrinogen deficiency can arise from both congenital and acquired conditions. Congenital conditions include afibrinogenemia, where there is a complete absence of fibrinogen, hypofibrinogenemia, which is characterized by low levels of fibrinogen, and dysfibrinogenemia, where the fibrinogen present is dysfunctional. Acquired conditions that may lead to fibrinogen deficiency include liver or renal diseases, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), amyloidosis, malignancies, and the effects of anticoagulant drug therapy. The test is performed by adding human thrombin to the blood sample and measuring the time it takes for clot formation to occur, typically using photometric methods to ensure accuracy and reliability in the results.