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The reticulated platelet assay, identified by CPT® Code 85055, is a specialized laboratory test designed to assess the activity of reticulated platelets, which are immature platelets newly formed in the bone marrow. Platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis, as they are responsible for binding together to form clots in response to vascular injury. The production of platelets occurs in the bone marrow, and the presence of reticulated platelets indicates ongoing thrombopoiesis, or platelet production. This assay is particularly valuable in the context of thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by a low platelet count that can lead to severe bleeding complications. Traditional diagnostic approaches to investigate the underlying causes of thrombocytopenia often necessitate invasive procedures, such as bone marrow biopsies, which can be uncomfortable for patients. In contrast, the reticulated platelet assay offers a less invasive alternative, providing insights into the rate of platelet production without the need for such procedures. The assay measures the immature platelet fraction (IPF), which can vary depending on the underlying cause of thrombocytopenia. For instance, a low IPF ratio may indicate suppressed platelet production, such as that seen in patients undergoing chemotherapy, while an elevated IPF ratio may suggest platelet destruction, as observed in conditions like idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Additionally, the reticulated platelet assay can be instrumental in predicting platelet recovery following hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplantation, with persistent low IPF levels potentially signaling a failure in the recovery of platelet production.
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The reticulated platelet assay is indicated for various clinical scenarios where monitoring platelet production and activity is essential. The following conditions may warrant the use of this assay:
The reticulated platelet assay involves several key procedural steps to ensure accurate results. The following outlines the process:
After the reticulated platelet assay is completed, the patient may experience minimal to no discomfort from the venipuncture. There are typically no specific post-procedure care requirements, as the blood sample is analyzed in the laboratory. Results from the assay can provide critical information regarding the patient's platelet production and help guide further clinical management. It is important for healthcare providers to interpret the results in conjunction with the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic findings to make informed decisions regarding treatment and follow-up care.
| Short Descr | RETICULATED PLATELET ASSAY | Medium Descr | RETICULATED PLATELET ASSAY | Long Descr | Reticulated platelet assay | 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 |
| Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | 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. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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 | 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 |
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| 2004-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2004. |
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