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Official Description

Blood typing; antigen screening for compatible blood unit using reagent serum, per unit screened

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 86903 involves the screening of donated blood units to ensure compatibility with the recipient's blood type prior to a transfusion. This process is critical in preventing adverse reactions that can occur if incompatible blood is transfused. During the screening, specific antibodies present in the donated blood are identified, which helps determine whether the blood can be safely administered to the patient. In situations where time is of the essence, such as emergencies, a more rapid assessment may be necessary. In these cases, if there is insufficient time to conduct a thorough antibody test, healthcare providers may opt to use CPT® Code 86904, which pertains to a serum test for blood typing. This highlights the importance of timely and accurate blood typing in transfusion medicine to ensure patient safety and effective treatment outcomes.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

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