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Official Description

Blood typing, serologic; Rh phenotyping, complete

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 86906 refers to a specific laboratory test known as blood typing, serologic; Rh phenotyping, complete. This procedure is essential in determining the Rh factor, which is a significant component of blood typing. The Rh factor indicates the presence or absence of the Rh antigen on the surface of red blood cells. A positive result means that the Rh antigen is present, while a negative result indicates its absence. This test is crucial for ensuring safe blood transfusions and managing pregnancies, as the Rh factor can lead to complications if an Rh-negative individual receives Rh-positive blood or if an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus. The complete Rh phenotyping process involves a series of serologic tests that confirm the presence of Rh antibodies in a unit of blood, thereby providing vital information for transfusion compatibility and maternal-fetal health considerations.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The Rh phenotyping test, represented by CPT® Code 86906, is performed under specific clinical circumstances. The following indications warrant the execution of this test:

  • Blood Transfusion Compatibility This test is essential for determining the compatibility of blood for transfusions, ensuring that Rh-negative patients do not receive Rh-positive blood, which could lead to serious immune reactions.
  • Pregnancy Management In pregnant women, especially those who are Rh-negative, this test helps assess the risk of Rh incompatibility with the fetus, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn.
  • Newborn Assessment The test may be indicated for newborns to determine their Rh status, particularly if the mother is known to be Rh-negative.

2. Procedure

The procedure for performing the Rh phenotyping test involves several critical steps to ensure accurate results. Each step is designed to confirm the presence of the Rh antigen in the blood sample.

  • Step 1: Sample Collection A blood sample is collected from the patient, typically via venipuncture. The sample must be handled carefully to prevent contamination and ensure the integrity of the results.
  • Step 2: Serologic Testing The collected blood sample undergoes serologic testing, where it is mixed with specific reagents that react with the Rh antigen. This step is crucial for identifying whether the Rh factor is present in the blood.
  • Step 3: Interpretation of Results After the serologic testing, the results are interpreted by laboratory personnel. A positive result indicates the presence of the Rh antigen, while a negative result confirms its absence.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the completion of the Rh phenotyping test, the results are documented and communicated to the requesting physician. If the test indicates that the patient is Rh-negative, further monitoring and management may be necessary, especially in the context of pregnancy or planned blood transfusions. It is essential for healthcare providers to discuss the implications of the test results with the patient, particularly regarding any necessary precautions or follow-up actions that may be required to ensure patient safety and health.

Short Descr BLD TYPING SEROLOGIC RH PHNT
Medium Descr BLOOD TYPING SEROLOGIC RH PHENOTYPING COMPLETE
Long Descr Blood typing, serologic; Rh phenotyping, complete
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 1
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.
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.
Date
Action
Notes
2015-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
1993-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1993.
Code
Description
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