CPT® Code 86902

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.