CPT® Code 86931

The CPT® Code 86931 refers to the laboratory procedure involved in thawing frozen blood, specifically for each unit. This process is essential in the management of blood transfusions, allowing healthcare providers to utilize stored blood units as needed. The procedure begins with the collection of blood from a donor, which is performed as a separately reportable procedure. Once collected, the blood undergoes preparation where serum or plasma is separated from red blood cells. To preserve the integrity of the red blood cells during freezing, they are treated with a glycerol-based cryoprotectant. This preservative penetrates the cell membrane, displacing water within the cells and preventing the formation of ice crystals during the freezing process. Ice crystals can cause damage to the red blood cells, leading to swelling and rupture. The blood unit is then frozen at extremely low temperatures, specifically at -122.8 °F or lower, ensuring that the cells remain viable for future transfusion. When the blood is required for transfusion, it is thawed by placing the unit in a water bath maintained at 98.6°F (37°C) for a duration of 30 minutes. Following thawing, the red blood cells undergo a washing process, known as deglycerolization, using a series of progressively dilute sodium solutions to remove the glycerol, white blood cell fragments, and plasma. After this process, the thawed unit can be stored at temperatures between 1-6°C for up to 24 hours. If the thawed blood is not immediately needed for transfusion, it may be refrozen, provided that a rejuvenation chemical is added prior to refreezing. This code specifically captures the thawing aspect of the blood management process, distinguishing it from other related procedures such as the preparation and freezing of blood units, which are reported under different codes.