© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
A red cell survival study, identified by CPT® Code 78130, is a specialized laboratory test designed to assess the lifespan of red blood cells (RBCs) within the circulatory system. This test is particularly valuable in the evaluation of patients presenting with anemia, especially when there is a suspicion of hemolytic causes. Under normal physiological conditions, red blood cells typically have a lifespan of approximately 110 to 120 days, after which they undergo senescence, or natural aging, leading to their eventual removal from circulation. A lifespan of less than 100 days, as determined by this study, may indicate the presence of hemolysis, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed prematurely. The procedure begins with the collection of a blood sample from the patient, during which a baseline microhematocrit measurement is obtained to assess the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. Following this, the RBCs are tagged with a radioactive isotope tracer, specifically Chromium-51 (Cr-51) Sodium Chromate. This tagged blood is then incubated and subsequently reintroduced into the patient's bloodstream via intravenous injection. To monitor the lifespan of the tagged RBCs, the patient is required to return for a series of venipunctures, typically ranging from 10 to 21 days, with the first blood sample being drawn 24 hours post-injection. Each sample is analyzed for microhematocrit levels, and the results are plotted over time using a quantitative-semilogarithmic graphing technique. This method allows for a precise determination of the RBC lifespan, providing critical information for diagnosing and managing conditions related to anemia and hemolysis.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The red cell survival study (CPT® Code 78130) is indicated for use in specific clinical scenarios, particularly when evaluating patients with anemia. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this test:
The procedure for conducting a red cell survival study involves several critical steps to ensure accurate measurement of red blood cell lifespan. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the red cell survival study, patients may be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results and any further diagnostic or therapeutic steps that may be necessary. There are typically no specific post-procedure care requirements, but patients should be monitored for any adverse reactions related to the radioactive tracer used in the study. The results of the study will provide valuable insights into the patient's red blood cell lifespan and help guide the management of their anemia or any underlying hemolytic conditions.
| Short Descr | RED CELL SURVIVAL STUDY | Medium Descr | RED CELL SURVIVAL STUDY | Long Descr | Red cell survival study | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple | ASC Payment Indicator | Radiology service paid separately when provided integral to a surgical procedure on ASC list; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I1E - Standard imaging - nuclear medicine | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 210 - Other radioisotope scan |
| 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. |
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| 2021-01-01 | Changed | Code changed. |
| 2010-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |