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Protein C is a vital natural anticoagulant that plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood coagulation. Deficiencies in protein C can lead to serious health issues, including recurrent thrombosis and warfarin-induced skin necrosis, conditions that increase the risk of abnormal blood clot formation. The CPT® Code 85302 specifically refers to the measurement of protein C antigen levels in the blood, which helps in assessing the presence of this important coagulation factor. The procedure involves taking a blood sample from the patient, which is then treated with sodium citrate or citric acid to prevent clotting. This sample is subsequently incubated in microwells that are coated with antibodies specific to human protein C. During this incubation, the protein C present in the patient's sample binds to the antibodies on the well surface. Following this binding phase, a detection antibody that is conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is introduced. After a washing step to eliminate any unbound detection antibodies, a chromogenic substrate is added, leading to the formation of a soluble colored product. The intensity of this color change is then measured, providing a quantitative assessment of the protein C antigen levels in the sample. This test is essential for determining whether a patient has a deficiency in protein C, which is critical for evaluating their risk for conditions such as venous thromboembolism.
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The measurement of protein C antigen levels is indicated in several clinical scenarios, particularly when there is a suspicion of coagulation disorders. The following conditions may warrant the use of this test:
The procedure for measuring protein C antigen levels involves several key steps that ensure accurate results. The following outlines the detailed procedural steps:
After the completion of the protein C antigen measurement procedure, there are no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, it is essential to monitor the patient for any potential adverse reactions related to the blood draw, such as bruising or discomfort at the venipuncture site. The results of the protein C antigen test will be interpreted by the healthcare provider, who will discuss the findings with the patient and determine any necessary follow-up actions or treatments based on the results. It is important for patients to understand the implications of their test results, especially if a deficiency in protein C is identified, as this may influence their risk for thrombotic events and guide further management strategies.
| Short Descr | CLOT INHIBIT PROT C ANTIGEN | Medium Descr | CLOTTING INHIBITORS PROTEIN C ANTIGEN | Long Descr | Clotting inhibitors or anticoagulants; protein C, antigen | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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 | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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