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Official Description

Euglobulin lysis

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 85360 refers to the laboratory test known as euglobulin lysis, which is specifically designed to measure the euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT). This test evaluates the fibrinolytic activity present in plasma, providing a comprehensive assessment of the fibrin clotting system. It is particularly useful for monitoring patients who are undergoing treatment with streptokinase, a medication that helps dissolve blood clots. The procedure begins with the collection of a blood sample through a venipuncture, which is a separate reportable procedure. To prevent clotting, the whole blood sample is treated with trisodium citrate, an anticoagulant, and is subsequently chilled to maintain its integrity. The process involves centrifugation to separate the plasma, which is then diluted with acetic acid and incubated on ice for a specified duration. This incubation allows for the formation of a precipitate, known as the euglobulin fraction of plasma, which contains critical components such as plasminogen, plasminogen activators (t-PA), and fibrinogen. Following this, the sample undergoes a second centrifugation to collect the precipitate, which is then dissolved in a buffer solution. The final step involves clotting the sample with thrombin and monitoring for clot lysis at 15-minute intervals. It is essential to include a control sample alongside the patient sample to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The euglobulin lysis test (CPT® Code 85360) is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Monitoring Streptokinase Therapy This test is performed to assess the fibrinolytic activity in patients receiving streptokinase, a medication used to dissolve blood clots.
  • Evaluation of Fibrin Clotting System The test provides an overall assessment of the fibrin clotting system, which is crucial in understanding various coagulation disorders.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the euglobulin lysis test involves several detailed steps:

  • Step 1: Blood Sample Collection A blood sample is obtained from the patient through a venipuncture, which is a separate reportable procedure. This step is critical as it ensures that the sample is collected in a manner that minimizes contamination and preserves the integrity of the plasma for testing.
  • Step 2: Anticoagulation and Chilling The whole blood sample is mixed with trisodium citrate, an anticoagulant that prevents clotting. The sample is then chilled to maintain its stability and prevent premature clot formation, which is essential for accurate test results.
  • Step 3: Centrifugation The sample undergoes centrifugation to separate the plasma from the cellular components of the blood. This step is crucial as it isolates the plasma, which contains the euglobulin fraction necessary for the test.
  • Step 4: Dilution and Incubation The extracted plasma is diluted with acetic acid and incubated on ice for 15 minutes. This incubation period allows for the formation of the euglobulin fraction, which includes important components such as plasminogen and fibrinogen.
  • Step 5: Second Centrifugation After incubation, the sample is centrifuged again to collect the precipitate formed during the incubation. This precipitate contains the euglobulin fraction that will be further analyzed.
  • Step 6: Dissolution and Clotting The collected precipitate is dissolved in a buffer solution. Following this, thrombin is added to the sample to induce clotting, which is a necessary step for evaluating clot lysis.
  • Step 7: Monitoring Clot Lysis The sample is then inspected for clot lysis at 15-minute intervals. This monitoring is essential to determine the time it takes for the clot to dissolve, which is indicative of the fibrinolytic activity in the plasma.
  • Step 8: Control Sample Testing A control sample is always tested alongside the patient sample to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results obtained from the euglobulin lysis test.

3. Post-Procedure

After the euglobulin lysis test is completed, the results are analyzed to assess the fibrinolytic activity in the patient's plasma. It is important to interpret the results in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests. The test may provide valuable information regarding the patient's response to streptokinase therapy and the overall status of their fibrin clotting system. Any abnormal findings should be discussed with the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate next steps in patient management. Additionally, proper documentation of the test results and any relevant clinical information is essential for ongoing patient care and follow-up.

Short Descr EUGLOBULIN LYSIS
Medium Descr EUGLOBULIN LYSIS
Long Descr Euglobulin lysis
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.
Date
Action
Notes
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
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