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Official Description

Anti-phosphatidylserine (phospholipid) antibody

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 86148 refers to a laboratory test that measures the levels of anti-phosphatidylserine (phospholipid) antibodies in the blood. These antibodies, which include immunoglobulin classes IgG, IgM, and IgA, are found in the membranes of endothelial cells and platelets, playing a crucial role in the coagulation cascade, which is the process that leads to blood clotting. The presence of elevated levels of these antibodies can be clinically significant, particularly in patients who have experienced unexplained thrombotic events, which are instances of blood clots forming in blood vessels. Additionally, symptoms such as swelling and pain in the extremities or joints, headaches, respiratory distress, recurrent fetal loss, thrombocytopenia (a condition characterized by low platelet counts), or elevated partial thromboplastin time (PTT) may warrant this testing. A negative result indicates that the antibodies are not present at the time of testing, but if symptoms persist, it is advisable to repeat the test. Conversely, a positive result for one or more of these antibodies may be significant when correlated with the presence of symptoms, and follow-up testing is recommended in 8 to 10 weeks to assess whether the elevation in antibody levels is persistent or merely temporary. The blood sample for this test is obtained through a venipuncture, which is a procedure that involves puncturing a vein to draw blood, and the serum is analyzed using a semi-quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The anti-phosphatidylserine (phospholipid) antibody test (CPT® Code 86148) is indicated for the evaluation of patients who present with specific clinical symptoms or conditions that may suggest the presence of these antibodies. The following indications are explicitly recognized for this procedure:

  • Unexplained Thrombotic Events - Patients who have experienced blood clots without an identifiable cause may require this test to assess for the presence of anti-phosphatidylserine antibodies.
  • Swelling and Pain in Extremities or Joints - Symptoms such as swelling and pain in the limbs or joints may prompt testing to rule out underlying autoimmune conditions associated with these antibodies.
  • Headaches - Persistent or unexplained headaches may be evaluated for potential links to anti-phosphatidylserine antibodies.
  • Respiratory Distress - Patients exhibiting respiratory difficulties may be tested to determine if these antibodies are contributing to their condition.
  • Recurrent Fetal Loss - Women with a history of multiple miscarriages may be tested for these antibodies to assess potential autoimmune factors.
  • Thrombocytopenia - A low platelet count may necessitate testing for anti-phosphatidylserine antibodies as part of the diagnostic workup.
  • Elevated PTT - Patients with an elevated partial thromboplastin time may be evaluated for the presence of these antibodies to understand the underlying causes of their coagulation issues.

2. Procedure

The procedure for testing anti-phosphatidylserine (phospholipid) antibodies involves several key steps that ensure accurate results. The first step is the collection of a blood sample from the patient, which is performed through a venipuncture. This procedure involves inserting a needle into a vein, typically in the arm, to draw a sufficient volume of blood for testing. Once the blood is collected, it is processed to separate the serum, which is the liquid portion of the blood that contains the antibodies of interest. The serum is then subjected to a semi-quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This testing method allows for the detection and measurement of the levels of anti-phosphatidylserine antibodies present in the serum. The ELISA technique involves binding the antibodies to specific antigens coated on a plate, followed by the addition of enzyme-linked secondary antibodies that bind to the primary antibodies. A substrate is then added, and the resulting color change is measured, providing a semi-quantitative assessment of antibody levels. The results of this test will help in determining the presence and significance of anti-phosphatidylserine antibodies in relation to the patient's clinical symptoms.

3. Post-Procedure

After the anti-phosphatidylserine antibody test is completed, the patient may experience minimal discomfort at the venipuncture site, which typically resolves quickly. It is important for healthcare providers to inform patients about the potential for bruising or slight swelling at the site of blood draw. The results of the test will be interpreted in conjunction with the patient's clinical history and symptoms. If the test result is negative, it may indicate that the antibodies are not present at that time; however, if symptoms persist, it is recommended to repeat the test. In cases where the test result is positive for one or more antibodies, follow-up testing is advised in 8 to 10 weeks to determine if the elevation in antibody levels is persistent or temporary. This follow-up is crucial for guiding further clinical management and treatment decisions based on the patient's ongoing symptoms and overall health status.

Short Descr ANTI-PHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODY
Medium Descr ANTI-PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE ANTIBODY
Long Descr Anti-phosphatidylserine (phospholipid) antibody
Status Code Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
CLIA Waived (QW) No
APC Status Indicator Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 3
CCS Clinical Classification 235 - Other Laboratory
90 Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.
91 Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed. Guideline information changed.
1998-01-01 Added Code added
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