CPT® Code 86870

The CPT® Code 86870 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed for the identification of red blood cell (RBC) antibodies. This test is crucial in situations where an initial antibody screening, such as the one indicated by CPT® Code 86850, has shown the presence of IgG antibodies or complement fragments on the surface of RBCs. The identification of these antibodies is particularly important in the context of pregnancy, as maternal IgG alloantibodies can cross the placenta and potentially lead to serious complications for the fetus. The test helps in monitoring antibody levels during pregnancy and assessing the risk of hemolytic disease in newborns, which can result from an antigen-antibody reaction that causes the destruction of RBCs in the fetus. This destruction can lead to conditions such as fetal anemia and hyperbilirubinemia, which can be harmful or even fatal. The procedure involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is reported separately, and the serum is then analyzed using a technique known as hemagglutination to identify the specific RBC antibodies present.