CPT® Code 85032

Official Description

Blood count; manual cell count (erythrocyte, leukocyte, or platelet) each

Common Language Description

A manual blood cell count is a laboratory procedure that involves the quantification of specific types of blood cells, namely erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and platelets (thrombocytes). This procedure is essential for diagnosing various medical conditions, monitoring health status, and guiding treatment decisions. During the process, a blood sample is collected from the patient, which can be obtained through venipuncture or capillary sampling. The sample is then analyzed using a hemocytometer, a specialized counting chamber that allows for the manual counting of cells under a microscope. The manual erythrocyte count involves placing the hemocytometer on the microscope stage, where the central area is divided into 25 squares. The technician counts the erythrocytes present in the four corner squares and the center square, ensuring that the counts do not vary by more than 10 cells between these areas. The final erythrocyte count is determined by averaging the counts from these squares. Similarly, leukocytes and platelets are counted using a hemocytometer that is divided into nine squares, with all nine squares being counted and averaged to obtain the final count. The CPT® code 85032 is reported for each type of blood cell that is counted, reflecting the manual nature of the procedure and the specific cell type being analyzed.

1. Indications

The manual blood cell count is performed for various clinical indications, including but not limited to the following:

Evaluation of Anemia This procedure helps in diagnosing and monitoring anemia by quantifying erythrocytes in the blood.
Infection Detection A leukocyte count is essential for identifying infections, as elevated white blood cell counts can indicate the presence of an infection or inflammatory process.
Platelet Disorders The manual count of platelets is crucial for diagnosing conditions related to abnormal platelet levels, which can affect clotting and bleeding.
Monitoring Blood Disorders This procedure is used to monitor patients with known blood disorders, such as leukemia or thrombocytopenia, to assess treatment efficacy and disease progression.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting a manual blood cell count involves several detailed steps, as outlined below:

Step 1: Sample Collection A blood sample is obtained from the patient, typically through venipuncture or capillary sampling. The sample must be collected in a manner that prevents contamination and ensures accurate results.
Step 2: Preparation of the Hemocytometer The hemocytometer is prepared for use by ensuring it is clean and properly calibrated. A cover slip is placed over the counting chamber to create a defined volume for cell counting.
Step 3: Erythrocyte Counting The hemocytometer is placed on the microscope stage, and the central area is divided into 25 squares. The technician counts the erythrocytes in the four corner squares and the center square. The counts from these squares are compared to ensure they do not vary by more than 10 cells.
Step 4: Calculation of Erythrocyte Count The erythrocyte count is calculated by averaging the number of erythrocytes counted in the squares. This average is then multiplied by a specific factor to obtain the total erythrocyte count per microliter of blood.
Step 5: Leukocyte and Platelet Counting The leukocyte and platelet counts are performed similarly, but the hemocytometer is divided into nine squares for these counts. All nine squares are counted, and the average is calculated to determine the total leukocyte and platelet counts.

3. Post-Procedure

After the manual blood cell count procedure, the results are documented and analyzed. The technician must ensure that the counts are accurate and that any discrepancies are resolved before reporting. The results are then communicated to the healthcare provider for interpretation and further clinical decision-making. There are typically no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient, but they may be monitored for any adverse reactions related to the blood draw, such as bruising or discomfort at the puncture site.

Short Descr	MANUAL CELL COUNT EACH
Medium Descr	BLOOD COUNT MANUAL CELL COUNT EACH
Long Descr	Blood count; manual cell count (erythrocyte, leukocyte, or platelet) each
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)	T1D - Lab tests - blood counts
MUE	1
CCS Clinical Classification	233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology

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.
XU	Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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.
59	Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
GW	Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
PN	Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital