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Official Description

Blood typing, serologic; antigen testing of donor blood using reagent serum, each antigen test

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Blood typing is a critical laboratory procedure conducted to ascertain the compatibility of donor blood with that of a potential recipient. This process is essential in transfusion medicine, as it helps prevent adverse reactions that can occur if incompatible blood types are mixed. The test specifically identifies the presence or absence of certain antibodies in the donor's blood, which can react with antigens present in the recipient's blood. To perform this test, a reagent serum is utilized, which is a blood serum containing known antigens. By adding this reagent serum to the donor blood, healthcare professionals can observe the reaction to determine if the donor blood contains antibodies against the specific antigens. A positive reaction, often indicated by blood agglutination or clotting, signifies that the donor blood is sensitive to the antigen in question. The results of this test are reported as either positive or negative, indicating whether the donor blood is compatible with the intended recipient. For each antigen tested, the appropriate code to use is 86902.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The blood typing procedure is indicated for several specific scenarios, primarily related to ensuring safe blood transfusions. The following conditions warrant the performance of this test:

  • Compatibility Testing Blood typing is performed to determine if the donor blood is compatible with the recipient's blood type, which is crucial for safe transfusions.
  • Pre-Transfusion Testing Prior to a blood transfusion, this test is essential to identify any potential reactions that may occur due to incompatible blood types.
  • Organ Transplantation Blood typing is also indicated in organ transplantation procedures to ensure that the donor organ is compatible with the recipient's blood type.
  • Pregnancy Management In pregnant women, blood typing can help identify Rh incompatibility between the mother and fetus, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn.

2. Procedure

The blood typing procedure involves several key steps to ensure accurate results. Each step is critical for determining the compatibility of donor blood.

  • Step 1: Sample Collection A blood sample is collected from the donor using standard venipuncture techniques. This sample is then prepared for testing.
  • Step 2: Preparation of Reagent Serum The reagent serum, which contains known antigens, is prepared and ready for use in the testing process.
  • Step 3: Mixing Blood and Reagent Serum A small amount of the donor blood is mixed with the reagent serum in a controlled environment. This step is crucial as it allows for the observation of any reactions between the antibodies in the donor blood and the antigens in the reagent serum.
  • Step 4: Observation of Reaction The mixture is observed for any signs of agglutination or clotting. A positive reaction indicates the presence of antibodies against the specific antigen, while a negative reaction indicates compatibility.
  • Step 5: Reporting Results The results of the test are documented, indicating whether the donor blood is positive or negative for sensitivity to the specific antigen tested. This information is critical for making informed decisions regarding blood transfusions.

3. Post-Procedure

After the blood typing procedure, the results are typically reviewed and interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional. If the test indicates compatibility, the donor blood may be used for transfusion. In cases of positive reactions, further testing may be required to identify specific antibodies and ensure safe transfusion practices. It is also important to document the results accurately in the patient's medical record for future reference. No specific post-procedure care is required for the donor, as the procedure is minimally invasive and generally well-tolerated.

Short Descr BLOOD TYPE ANTIGEN DONOR EA
Medium Descr BLOOD TYPE ANTIGEN DONOR REAGENT SERUM EACH
Long Descr Blood typing, serologic; antigen testing of donor blood using reagent serum, each antigen test
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 STV-Packaged Codes
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 6
CCS Clinical Classification 235 - Other Laboratory
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 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.
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.
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Date
Action
Notes
2015-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2011-01-01 Added Added
Code
Description
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