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A tissue culture is a laboratory procedure that involves the cultivation of cells outside of their natural environment, specifically for the purpose of performing chromosome analysis related to non-neoplastic disorders. In this context, non-neoplastic disorders refer to a range of genetic conditions that do not involve tumors or cancerous growths. These disorders may include sister chromatid exchange (SCE), breakage syndromes, trisomies, mosaicism, and other genetic anomalies that can lead to congenital defects or other health issues. The procedure designated by CPT® Code 88230 specifically focuses on lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell crucial for the immune response. To initiate the process, a peripheral blood sample is collected, from which lymphocytes are isolated. These cells are then cultured in a controlled environment and stimulated to divide using a non-specific antigen, such as phytohemagglutinin, which encourages cell proliferation. To ensure that a sufficient number of cells are available for analysis, a spindle inhibitor is introduced to halt the cells at the metaphase stage of mitosis, allowing for optimal chromosome visualization. Depending on the specific requirements of the chromosome analysis being conducted, various stains or chemicals may be applied to the cultured lymphocytes to enhance the visibility of chromosomal structures. This procedure is essential for diagnosing and understanding genetic disorders, as it provides critical insights into chromosomal abnormalities that may affect patient health.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 88230 is indicated for the evaluation of various non-neoplastic disorders. These include:
The procedure for CPT® Code 88230 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate chromosome analysis. First, a peripheral blood sample is obtained from the patient. This sample is essential as it contains lymphocytes, which are the target cells for culture. Once the blood is collected, the lymphocytes are separated from other blood components, such as plasma and red blood cells. This separation is typically achieved through a process called centrifugation, which allows for the isolation of the white blood cells.
After the procedure, the cultured lymphocytes are analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities. The results of this analysis can provide valuable information regarding the presence of genetic disorders. Post-procedure care typically involves monitoring the patient for any immediate reactions to the blood draw, although there are no specific post-procedure interventions required for the tissue culture itself. The laboratory will process the cultured cells and generate a report detailing the findings, which will be communicated to the referring physician for further evaluation and management of the patient's condition.
| Short Descr | TISSUE CULTURE LYMPHOCYTE | Medium Descr | TISS CUL NON-NEO DISORDERS LYMPHOCYTE | Long Descr | Tissue culture for non-neoplastic disorders; lymphocyte | 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 | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology) |
| 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. | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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