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Official Description

Cellular function assay involving stimulation (eg, mitogen or antigen) and detection of biomarker (eg, ATP)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 86352 refers to a cellular function assay that is designed to evaluate the functionality of cells through a specific testing process. This assay involves the use of live cell cultures, which are essential for accurately assessing cellular responses. In this procedure, cells are subjected to stimulation using agents known as mitogens or antigens. These agents provoke a response from the cells, allowing for the observation of their functional capabilities. Following stimulation, the cells are analyzed using various assay techniques, such as chemiluminescent assays, which are sensitive methods for detecting specific biomarkers. One of the key biomarkers measured in this assay is adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that plays a critical role in cellular energy transfer and is a vital indicator of cell viability and function. The detection and quantification of ATP levels provide valuable insights into the health and activity of the cells being studied, making this assay a crucial tool in both research and clinical settings for understanding cellular behavior and function.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The cellular function assay coded as CPT® 86352 is indicated for use in various clinical and research scenarios where the assessment of cellular activity is necessary. The following conditions and situations may warrant the performance of this assay:

  • Cell Viability Assessment This assay is utilized to determine the viability of cells in culture, which is essential for evaluating the health of cell populations.
  • Immune Response Evaluation The assay can be employed to assess the immune response by measuring how immune cells react to specific antigens or mitogens.
  • Research in Cellular Biology It is often used in research settings to study cellular functions and responses under various experimental conditions.
  • Monitoring Treatment Effects The assay may be indicated for monitoring the effects of therapeutic interventions on cellular function, particularly in oncology and immunology.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting a cellular function assay as described by CPT® 86352 involves several key steps that ensure accurate measurement of cellular responses. Each step is critical to the integrity of the assay and the reliability of the results.

  • Step 1: Cell Culture Preparation Initially, live cells are cultured in a controlled environment to ensure optimal growth conditions. This involves selecting the appropriate cell type and providing the necessary nutrients and conditions for cell proliferation.
  • Step 2: Stimulation of Cells Once the cells have reached the desired confluence, they are stimulated using specific agents known as mitogens or antigens. This stimulation is crucial as it triggers a cellular response that can be measured. The choice of mitogen or antigen depends on the specific objectives of the assay.
  • Step 3: Assay Implementation Following stimulation, the cells are subjected to an assay, such as a chemiluminescent assay, which is designed to detect the presence and/or level of biomarkers, such as ATP. This step involves adding reagents that will react with the biomarker, producing a measurable signal.
  • Step 4: Data Analysis After the assay is completed, the results are analyzed to determine the levels of the biomarker. The presence and concentration of ATP are indicative of the cellular function and viability, providing insights into the health of the cell population.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for the cellular function assay primarily involves the analysis and interpretation of the results obtained from the assay. It is essential to ensure that the data is accurately recorded and analyzed to draw meaningful conclusions regarding cellular function. Additionally, any necessary follow-up actions based on the assay results should be planned, which may include further testing or adjustments in treatment protocols if the assay is used in a clinical context. Proper documentation of the assay results is also crucial for compliance and future reference.

Short Descr CELL FUNCTION ASSAY W/STIM
Medium Descr CELLULAR FUNCTION ASSAY STIMUL&DETECT BIOMARKE
Long Descr Cellular function assay involving stimulation (eg, mitogen or antigen) and detection of biomarker (eg, ATP)
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 1
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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.
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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.
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2010-01-01 Added -
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