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Official Description

Coagulation time; activated

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 85347 refers to the activated coagulation time (ACT) test, which is a laboratory procedure designed to measure the time it takes for blood to clot. This test is crucial in evaluating the coagulation process, particularly in situations where anticoagulation therapy is being administered. The ACT specifically assesses the intrinsic pathway of coagulation, which is activated by substances such as kaolin, celite, or diatomaceous earth. The measurement of coagulation time is expressed in minutes and provides valuable information regarding platelet function and the overall clotting ability of the blood. The ACT test is particularly important in clinical settings that require close monitoring of anticoagulation levels, such as during cardiac bypass surgery, angioplasty, extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), thrombolysis, and dialysis. While the manual method of performing the ACT test is still utilized when necessary, it has largely been supplanted by automated systems that can rapidly analyze multiple clotting assays from a single blood sample, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in laboratory diagnostics.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The activated coagulation time (ACT) test is indicated for use in various clinical scenarios where monitoring of coagulation status is critical. The following conditions and procedures may necessitate the performance of this test:

  • Cardiac Bypass Surgery This procedure requires intense anticoagulation to prevent clot formation during the operation, making the ACT test essential for monitoring coagulation levels.
  • Angioplasty During this minimally invasive procedure to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels, the ACT test helps ensure appropriate anticoagulation is maintained.
  • Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) In patients undergoing ECMO, the ACT test is crucial for managing anticoagulation therapy to prevent clotting in the circuit.
  • Thrombolysis This treatment for dissolving blood clots requires careful monitoring of coagulation status, making the ACT test an important tool.
  • Dialysis The ACT test is performed to monitor anticoagulation during dialysis procedures to prevent clotting in the dialysis machine.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the activated coagulation time (ACT) test involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement of coagulation time. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Sample Collection A blood sample is collected from the patient, typically via venipuncture. The sample must be handled carefully to avoid contamination and ensure accurate results.
  • Step 2: Activation of Coagulation The collected blood sample is then exposed to an intrinsic pathway activator, such as kaolin, celite, or diatomaceous earth. This activation initiates the coagulation cascade, allowing for the measurement of clotting time.
  • Step 3: Measurement of Coagulation Time The time taken for the blood sample to form a clot is measured in minutes. This measurement is critical for assessing the patient's coagulation status and platelet function.
  • Step 4: Interpretation of Results The results of the ACT test are interpreted by healthcare professionals to determine if the coagulation levels are within the desired range, particularly in patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy.

3. Post-Procedure

After the activated coagulation time (ACT) test is performed, the healthcare provider will review the results to assess the patient's coagulation status. Depending on the findings, further action may be required, such as adjusting anticoagulation therapy if the coagulation time is outside the therapeutic range. Patients may be monitored for any signs of bleeding or clotting complications, especially if the ACT test was performed in the context of a procedure requiring anticoagulation. It is essential to document the results and any subsequent actions taken to ensure continuity of care and compliance with clinical guidelines.

Short Descr COAGULATION TIME ACTIVATED
Medium Descr COAGULATION TIME ACTIVATED
Long Descr Coagulation time; activated
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 3
CCS Clinical Classification 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology
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.
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.
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.
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main 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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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