Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Thrombin time; plasma

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 85670 refers to the thrombin time test, specifically measuring the plasma thrombin time. This laboratory test evaluates the time it takes for a blood sample to clot when mixed with thrombin, a protein that plays a crucial role in the coagulation process. The thrombin time test, also known as thrombin clotting time (TCT), is essential for diagnosing various conditions related to fibrinogen, a key protein involved in blood clot formation. Fibrinogen deficiency can arise from both congenital and acquired conditions. Congenital conditions include afibrinogenemia, where there is a complete absence of fibrinogen, hypofibrinogenemia, which is characterized by low levels of fibrinogen, and dysfibrinogenemia, where the fibrinogen present is dysfunctional. Acquired conditions that may lead to fibrinogen deficiency include liver or renal diseases, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), amyloidosis, malignancies, and the effects of anticoagulant drug therapy. The test is performed by adding human thrombin to the blood sample and measuring the time it takes for clot formation to occur, typically using photometric methods to ensure accuracy and reliability in the results.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The thrombin time test (CPT® Code 85670) is indicated for the evaluation of conditions that may lead to fibrinogen deficiency. The following are specific indications for performing this test:

  • Fibrinogen Deficiency Diagnosis This test is utilized to diagnose fibrinogen deficiency, which can be due to congenital conditions such as afibrinogenemia, hypofibrinogenemia, and dysfibrinogenemia.
  • Acquired Conditions The thrombin time test is also indicated in cases of acquired fibrinogen deficiency resulting from liver or renal disease, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), amyloidosis, malignancy, or the use of anticoagulant drug therapy.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the thrombin time test involves several key steps that ensure accurate measurement of clotting time. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Blood Sample Collection A blood sample is collected from the patient, typically via venipuncture, ensuring that the sample is obtained in a manner that prevents contamination and preserves the integrity of the plasma.
  • Step 2: Plasma Preparation The collected blood sample is then processed to separate the plasma from the cellular components. This is usually done by centrifugation, which allows for the isolation of the plasma that will be used for testing.
  • Step 3: Mixing with Thrombin The prepared plasma is mixed with a standardized amount of human thrombin. This step is critical as thrombin is the reagent that initiates the clotting process, and its concentration must be controlled to ensure reliable results.
  • Step 4: Measuring Clotting Time After mixing, the time taken for the plasma to clot is measured. This is typically done using photometric methods, which provide a precise measurement of the clotting time by detecting changes in light transmission through the sample as clot formation occurs.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for the thrombin time test is generally minimal, as it is a laboratory test rather than an invasive procedure. However, it is important to monitor the patient for any potential complications related to the blood draw, such as bruising or discomfort at the puncture site. The results of the thrombin time test will be analyzed and reported, providing critical information regarding the patient's coagulation status and potential fibrinogen deficiencies. Follow-up may be necessary based on the test results, particularly if abnormalities are detected that require further investigation or management.

Short Descr THROMBIN TIME PLASMA
Medium Descr THROMBIN TIME PLASMA
Long Descr Thrombin time; plasma
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 2
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.
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
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.
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.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
1994-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1994.
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"