CPT® Code 86945

The procedure described by CPT® Code 86945 involves the irradiation of a unit of blood. This process is specifically designed to neutralize lymphocytes present in the blood product. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that can cause complications during a blood transfusion, particularly in patients who may have a weakened immune system or are receiving multiple transfusions. By irradiating the blood, the risk of transfusion-related reactions, such as graft-versus-host disease, is significantly reduced. This procedure is particularly important for immunocompromised patients, as it helps ensure that the transfused blood is more compatible with the recipient's immune system, thereby decreasing the chances of the body rejecting the transfusion. The irradiation process is performed on each unit of blood, ensuring that the entire volume is treated to achieve the desired safety outcomes.