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The CPT® Code 85536 refers to a laboratory test known as the iron stain of peripheral blood. This test is specifically designed to identify the presence of iron stores within a peripheral blood smear. The primary application of this test is in the assessment of bone marrow; however, it can also be utilized on peripheral blood samples when there is a strong suspicion of Pappenheimer bodies, which are siderotic granules indicative of iron accumulation. The results of this test are particularly valuable in aiding the diagnosis of sideroblastic anemia, a condition characterized by the body's inability to properly incorporate iron into hemoglobin despite adequate iron levels. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected through a venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure. The collected whole blood is then smeared onto a glass slide, followed by staining with Perl's Prussian Blue solution. This staining technique allows for the cytochemical demonstration of iron-bearing pigments when the slide is examined under a microscope, providing critical information regarding the iron status in the blood sample.
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The iron stain of peripheral blood (CPT® Code 85536) is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for performing the iron stain of peripheral blood involves several key steps:
After the iron stain of peripheral blood procedure is completed, there are no specific post-procedure care requirements mentioned. However, it is essential to ensure that the blood sample is handled and processed correctly to obtain accurate results. The findings from the test will be documented and interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional, who will then communicate the results to the ordering physician for further evaluation and management of the patient's condition.
| Short Descr | IRON STAIN PERIPHERAL BLOOD | Medium Descr | IRON STAIN PERIPHERAL BLOOD | Long Descr | Iron stain, peripheral blood | 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 |
| 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. | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2001-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2001. |
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